CREATE WITH US
MAAC’S MISSION
Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) will help facilitate and strengthen the connections, communication, and creativity of the diverse population of Melrose and the surrounding area. We will utilize local resources, materials, and talent to inspire art while inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to join in creating a more pleasing and inclusive atmosphere for our community.
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT MAAC
MAAC is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting arts resources and enhancing the cultural life of the Melrose area. We believe art is essential to building a healthy and vibrant community, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of art.
We offer a variety of art programs and services, including:
- Art gatherings for all ages
- Exhibits and performances by local and regional artists
- Support for arts resources and education
- Use of the arts to examine local history and culture
Founded in 2021, we are always looking for new ways to engage the community in the arts. We welcome you to get involved!
MAAC
HAPPENINGS
Melrose Area Festival of the Arts
Save the date for the upcoming Festival of the Arts, now with a new date and location! Join us May 8-9 at the Melrose American Legion. We’re seeking artists, vendors, and fiber artists to join our festival. Go to the Festival of the Arts page to find out more information.
MAAC Art Auction coming soon!
In 2024, MAAC held an Art Auction to raise funds in support of art-related opportunities. This year, we’re excited to bring it back, this time alongside the Festival of the Arts in May. We’d love for you to contribute some of your artwork to the auction. More details coming soon.
Fiber Arts Display
We’re excited to once again welcome local quilters and fiber artists to showcase their creations at the Melrose Area Arts Festival. From crochet to knitting and quilting, all types of fiber art are encouraged. For any questions, please reach out to Monika Kraker.
MAAC has selected an Artist for the proposed Mural!
The Melrose Area Arts Council has selected an Artist to capture the past and present spirit of Melrose in a Mural Art Installation. The proposed mural will be installed on the side of the Midwest Automatic Products building across the street from the Sauk River Park entrance. Read more here.
Creative Gatherings
Creative Gatherings are held during the winter months from 2-4 pm on the third Wednesday in October, November, January, February, March, and April at the Senior Activity Center in Melrose. All are welcome to attend and participate in learning from one another.
Melrose Farmers Market Children’s Activities
The Melrose Area Arts Council and the 2025 Farmers Market had a fun-filled summer of children’s creative activities.
Children returned every week because they looked forward to a new and different art experience from week to week. It gave parents the opportunity to share a fun summer arts activity with their kids.
This summer’s activities were themed around recycled materials. It taught children how to recycle wasted materials in our environment into a new beautifully created piece of art. Children were encouraged to make their own recycled piece of art. Some of their art is on display at the City Center until the end of October.
Check out the Children’s Activities page to find out more information. If you would like us to be part of your next event, please fill out the New Event Request form.
BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The Beautification Project was once again a well-received addition to downtown Melrose this summer. The flower containers that were placed along Main Street looked beautiful all summer and welcomed visitors. The containers by the Welcome to Melrose sign will remain with seasonal displays.
The flowers and containers were sourced from local vendors. A big thank you to the Lions, the Melrose Senior Group, and Stearns Electric for their generous support of this project. If you’d like to help keep this initiative alive, please click on the Donate link below.
MAAC website made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Central Minnesota Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
