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
Proposed Melrose Area Mural
Bringing communities together through art
The Melrose Area Arts Council is planning to create a mural on the east wall of Midwest Automatic Products in Melrose, located across from Sauk River Park.
This project aims to create a reflective image of Melrose’s historical journey through the years. As we have gathered what is important through a community survey, we will determine themes we would like to see reflected in the mural, bringing communities together through art. We hope to represent the people, history, achievements, ethnicities, and life experiences of all ages.
MAAC is seeking a local artist to represent this mural. If you would like to apply, please see the link below. The deadline for submissions has been extended to November 30.
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.
Gingerbread Architecture
Tap your inner architect at this delicious all-ages, family-friendly workshop. Learn the basics of architecture and structural design using everyone’s favorite building materials – gingerbread and frosting! Taught by Whitney Lougheed of JLG Architects, this hands-on interactive workshop shows you how to create your own architectural masterpiece using gingerbread from Cold Spring Bakery. It’s sure to be a tasty treat! Held in partnership with the Melrose Area Arts Council, stick around following the class to hear more about the Arts Council and its work in the Melrose area. Class size is limited, so register today!
To register, visit stearnshistorymuseum.org/events. Questions? Contact Ann Marie at [email protected] or call 320-253-8424.
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 a well-received addition to downtown Melrose last 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 remained with seasonal displays decorated throughout the year.
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.
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.
MAAC Art Auction
Our goal with the art auction, which took place from November 29 through December 13, was to raise funds to provide more opportunities for art programs and workshops in Melrose and the surrounding communities. It was a successful event, and we thank everyone who supported MAAC.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
