About Us
MAAC
CREATE WITH US
MAAC’S MISSION
Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) will help facilitate (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 classes and workshops 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!
LEADERSHIP
OUR BOARD
CHRIS BARRON
Chris Barron graduated from Melrose High School in 1970 and left the next day, vowing never to return. After spending most of her career working with disabled adults, children, and seniors, as well as in bars, restaurants, and retail, Chris returned to Melrose in 2015 to help her mother stay in her home. As a founding member of Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC), Chris hopes to help the youth of Melrose feel connected enough to the town that if they do leave, they will always find something to bring them back. Chris’s art is foraging and growing her own medicine, as well as creating art out of found objects.
BARB DETTLER
Barb Dettler is a community artist with more than 50 years of experience in various art forms such as semi-truck advertisements, murals, jewelry making, metal construction, printmaking, and fine-art painting. She taught art to elementary and high school students including the Melrose Area Schools, St. Mary’s in Melrose, St. John’s/ St. Andrew’s in Greenwald, and Sacred Heart in Freeport for 25 years. As a member of Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC), Barb is dedicated to promoting the arts and enhancing the cultural life of the community. She believes that MAAC provides an open space to explore ideas and showcase the artistic talents of all ages in our community.
MARY JOHNSON
Mary Johnson was born and raised in Southern California, where she was exposed to a variety of cultures and aesthetic diversities at an early age. She developed an appreciation for the arts, which led to an extensive career in graphic design and teaching college-level courses in her field. As a founding member of MAAC, Mary hopes to use her entrepreneurial spirit and love of the arts to enrich the lives of the Melrose community by exposing them to various arts and using it as a catalyst to strengthen its diversity by bringing people together.
MARY LOECKEN
Mary Loecken is a retired nurse who lives outside of Melrose. She loves all kinds of art and currently paints porcelain with a group from Albany, Minnesota. As a founding member of MAAC, Mary is excited to use her talents and skills to give back to her community and bring all types of art to the Melrose area.
EILEEN MAUS
Eileen Maus is one of the founding members of Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC). Prior to this, Eileen was a registered nurse at a rural hospital for 45 years. Eileen has always enjoyed the arts and wanted more art opportunities in Melrose. Through MAAC, Eileen hopes to see a revitalization of the City of Melrose using the arts as a base.
DOTTIE PALLANSCH
Dottie Pallansch has lived in Melrose most of her life and has held several positions in public service. She has also been involved in the organization of several groups that are still serving the community today. Dottie recently retired and became a member of Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) because she believes that having an arts organization to serve that highlights the artists in the community helps give them pride in their creative abilities. Dottie is pleased that MAAC focuses on youth, as she believes young people being able to express their feelings through art will give them a proudful path to follow.
LIZ POHLMANN
Liz Pohlmann is driven by building community in elder services and caring for Mother Earth. She became involved as a founding member of Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) because of the quality of the people involved and believes that supporting arts and artists will make the community even more welcoming and attractive. Liz hopes that MAAC will be a long-term presence in the area and will contribute toward a vibrant, sustainable community.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
OUR PATRONS
