The Merrill Arts Center was put into motion in 2009/2010 when Dorothy Merrill bequeathed a substantial sum of money to have the center (formally named the Dorothy K. Merrill Fine Arts Center) built attached to the new high school, East Ridge High School. They put on several performances every year, and their past performances have included Cyrano de Bergerac and Matilda. They also have classes for kids and adults, such as an MEA Arts Sampler Camp and a Fall Directing Master Class. In addition, they have a program called SOS Youth that focuses on the problems today's teenagers are facing in the performances they produce. They believe in community and arts, and this is a great way to bring both together.