USING LOCAL RESOURCES
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EVENTS & PROJECTS
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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
MAAC has selected an Artist for the proposed Mural!
The Melrose Area Arts Council has chosen an artist to capture the past and present spirit of Melrose in a mural installation. The mural will be featured on the side of the Midwest Automatic Products building right across from the Sauk River Park entrance. Justine has been making great progress on the smaller panels, and the project is shaping up nicely.
We will be announcing the official unveiling date soon. In the meantime, posters of the artwork will be on display at Night to Unite, and the finished art panels will be available for viewing at the Melrose City Center. Read more here.
Melrose Area Artist Showcases
Melrose area artists are able to share their work with the community by showcasing it in the display case at the Melrose City Center. These showcases support local artists, increase public awareness of individual creators, and promote the arts throughout the community. If you are interested in having your artwork on display, please contact MAAC.
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. Activities are underway for another fun and engaging summer filled with hands-on art experiences for kids and families.
Every Wednesday afternoon, starting the first Wednesday in June, 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
PAST PROJECTS
3rd Annual Melrose Area Festival of the Arts
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in the Festival of the Arts!
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.
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!
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.
