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
NIGHT TO UNITE
On August 5, MAAC joined many other businesses, organizations, and vendors to celebrate our community during the Night to Unite. We hosted a fun mural art activity that people of all ages enjoyed. Find more photos on our Facebook page.
Join us for the Mural Art Reveal!
Come celebrate with the Melrose Area Arts Council as we unveil the stunning new mural across from Sauk River Park. Meet the artist, check out her amazing work, and join in the fun as we mark this exciting achievement.
Read more here about the mural and the story behind its creation.
Melrose Area Photo Contest!
We’re celebrating the Melrose Area Arts Council and all it has achieved with a fun Photo Contest. Over the next few weeks, grab your camera and snap photos of the subjects listed on the flyer. All other details can be found there.
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.
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 bloom, and the flowerpots are looking fantastic this year! Volunteers have been working tirelessly all summer to keep them watered and trimmed. A big thanks to the sponsors whose support allowed MAAC to buy the flowers from a local grower. To help keep this effort thriving, 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 Area Senior Center
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!
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.
