USING LOCAL RESOURCES
TO CREATE INSPIRING
EVENTS & PROJECTS
BUILD GREAT THINGS WITH US
MAAC ART EVENTS & PROJECTS
We have many exciting art education and art experience projects in the works. See how we are enriching our community with these arts projects, programs and events.
CURRENT 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 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.
Local Gallery Showings
We’re excited to bring public art displays to local gallery spaces, offering a chance for the community to enjoy and engage with creative works. Watch for details to come!
Melrose Farmers Market Children’s Activities
The Melrose Area Arts Council is excited to return to the Melrose Farmers Market with a new season of children’s creative activities. Plans are underway for another fun and engaging summer filled with hands-on art experiences for kids and families.
Every Wednesday afternoon, children will be invited to explore a different art activity, giving them something fresh to look forward to and encouraging repeat visits throughout the market season. These activities also provide parents and caregivers with a wonderful opportunity to share creative time with their children.
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 is in full swing, with containers set to be ready in May for placement along Main Street in Melrose once again. Huge thanks to this year’s sponsors for their generous support. If you’d like to help keep this effort going, please click the Donate link below.
A big thanks to our sponsors!
American Legion
Marit Elliott
Freeport State Bank
Klaphake Feed Mill
Leedstone
Ken & Eileen Maus
Melrose Senior Group
Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services
Liz Pohlmann
Spiritz Liquor
Women of Today
Creative Gatherings
Creative Gatherings are held during the winter months from 2-4 pm on the third Wednesday in October, November, January, February, and March at the Senior Activity Center in Melrose. All are welcome to attend and participate in learning from one another.
PAST PROJECTS
Night to Unite Celebration
The Melrose Area Arts Council, in collaboration with the City of Melrose and the Melrose Area Chamber, hosted the annual Night to Unite on Wednesday, August 6.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the Farmers Market and Night to Unite event. Local responders were present to connect with attendees, while a variety of vendors and children’s activities created a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
Several food trucks added to the experience, and the Melrose Area Arts Council offered a brat meal and MAAC and Cheese to raise funds for ongoing programs.
Entertainment included performances by Jerry Bierschbach and the Mexican Folkloric Dancers, Los Alegres Bailadores. The evening wrapped up with free German chocolate and tres leches cakes.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to its success!
This event was made possible through a grant from the Central MN Community Foundation.
Melrose Area Festival of the Arts
The Melrose community celebrated the Melrose Area Festival of the Arts Tuesday, April 29 through Saturday, May 3.
We started out with an event on Tuesday at Park View, the assisted living facility in Melrose, to bring the arts to people residing there. MAAC showered the residents with May Day baskets, which was followed by music and cake. Jesse Kuechle, choir teacher at Melrose Area Public Schools, directed a group of middle and high schoolers in a variety of songs. We concluded with a parade of quilts, which was also well received.
From Wednesday through Saturday, visitors were able to view and purchase local art, visit a quilt display of close to 90 quilts, participate in crumb piecing, English paper piecing and crocheting, learn about foundation paper piecing and rope bowl making, listen to author talks and readings, learn about granite etching, have their faces painted, and listen to music. MAAC also honored Dianne Mosford, former math teacher at Melrose Middle School, photographer of all school plays and musicals, and dear friend to many, with a special quilt called Keeper of Memories.
More photos can be found on the Melrose Area Festival of the Arts page.
Edwin Clark Bridge
Unveiling of the educational marker
The Sauk River bridge was reconstructed a few years ago and renamed Edwin Clark Bridge. On Friday, May 2, the educational marker was unveiled. This project was a collaboration between the City of Melrose, the Melrose Area Historical Society and the Melrose Area Arts Council. The marker was crafted by local artist Travis Frieler.
MONUMENTAL WELCOME SIGN
We have built a Welcome Sign downtown, in partnership with the City of Melrose and the Melrose Lions Club. The Melrose Feed Mill donated the land and Sign Lava donated their expertise in its development. The sign is a work of art that reflects the community’s unique character and history. Three Melrose area artists (Barb Dettler, Joyce Westendorf, and Ahna Matt) were selected to create mural artwork that embodies their interpretation of the Melrose motto, “Strong Diverse Connected.” Their art appears on the back of the sign. Thank you to those who joined us on September 29, 2023, for its unveiling! Here are some photos from the event.
FUTURE PROJECTS
ART PROGRAM FOR SENIORS
We would like to offer an art education program for seniors. This program would be a fun and creative way for seniors to stay active and engaged.
ART SHOWS AT SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
A traveling art show could be displayed in Cura Care Center’s Park View Place and Pine Villa Nursing Home. The art show will be a way for seniors to enjoy the arts and reconnect with their community.
HISTORICAL & MURAL PAINTINGS
Historical and mural paintings on various buildings in town will be a beautiful and educational way to preserve the community’s history!
MELROSE AREA ARTIST SHOWCASES
Melrose area artists will be able to share their work with the community via showcases. The showcases will be a way to support local artists, increase public awareness of specific artists, and promote the arts in the community.
SPREADING PUBLIC ART
We plan to work with surrounding communities like Freeport, Greenwald, Meire Grove, New Munich, Spring Hill, and St. Rosa to bring public art to their areas. We believe that public art can be a powerful tool for economic development, education, and community revitalization.
GREEN PERFORMANCE SPACE
A green space in the heart of Melrose would include a performance area for theater and music productions. The green space will be a gathering place for the community to come together and enjoy the arts.
BANDSHELL
A community bandshell can be used for summer concerts and other performances. The bandshell will provide a beautiful and acoustically pleasing setting for music lovers of all ages.
