TO CREATE INSPIRING ARTS
TO CREATE INSPIRING ARTS
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 PROJECTS
Creative Gathering
At our first Creative Gathering in October, we had a small group of people doing a variety of crafts. From painting, drawing, knitting, crocheting, sewing and embroidery, it was fun to chat and learn about each other and different art activities.
The tentative date for the next gathering is November 19. More information to be announced.
MAAC Art Auction Fundraiser
In order to continue promoting the Arts in Melrose and the surrounding communities, the Melrose Area Arts Council is kicking off an online auction on November 29. All items will be available for bidding through December 13. In person viewing will be made available during the Melrose Holiday Kickoff on November 29 (specific times and additional days of in-person viewing will be announced soon). Please note, the location changed to 312 Main Street E (next to Uphus Law Office). The money raised will provide more opportunities for art programs and classes in Melrose and the surrounding communities.
If you are an artist and would like to donate any art you’ve created, please contact Dottie Pallansch for more information.
BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The Beautification Project has come to an end for this year. The flower containers that were placed along Main Street have been taken down. They looked beautiful all summer and welcomed visitors. The containers by the Welcome to Melrose sign will remain with seasonal displays decorated throughout the year.
Thank you to the Flowers on Main Committee and a special thanks to Kenny and Larry Hinnenkamp for keeping the flowers looking great all summer. It truly was a great addition to our downtown area!
ART AT THE FARMERS MARKET
Every Wednesday during the summer, the Melrose Area Arts Council offered youth art projects at the Melrose Community Farmers Market at the Sauk River Park. Kids of all ages enjoyed a variety of art projects, from painting bird houses, flying kites, tie-dying pillowcases, spin art, painting/planting flowerpots, and so much more. With approximately 50 to 60 kids attending each week, it was a great opportunity for adults and kids to connect while being creative.
ART PROGRAM FOR YOUTH
In partnership with Birch Hills Community Youth Center, we offer an art education program for youth that teaches them about different art forms, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. We meet every Monday from 3-6:30 p.m. during the school year at 330 West Riverside Avenue in Melrose. The program is a fun and creative way for young people, grades 3-12, to express themselves! The youth have also formed their own Youth Arts Council to advise MAAC.
ART PROGRAM FOR SENIORS
We offer an art education program for seniors that teaches them about different art forms, such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. The program is a fun and creative way for seniors to stay active and engaged. This program is held in the Senior Center, which is on the lower level of the City Center. Watch for dates and times!
PAST PROJECTS
NIGHT TO UNITE
The Melrose Area Arts Council, along with the City of Melrose and the Melrose City Chamber, hosted a Night to Unite event this past August to unite our community in a celebration of cultural music and foods. Plans are in the works to host the same event in 2025. Details to come!
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
The Melrose Area Arts Council sponsored their first “Festival of the Arts” April 29 – May 3 to celebrate the arts in our school and community. The community was able to view exhibits on display at the Melrose City Center and Freeport State Bank. Art exhibits by the students were on display at the Elementary and High School Libraries all week. There were performances of music and speech for the students at the school during the day and after school for the public. Quilts were on display at the Senior Activity Center, located in the lower level of the Melrose City Center with lessons and demos about quilting.
We plan to make this an annual event as it was a huge success displaying creative talent and bringing our community together. We received much positive feedback!
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.
EDWIN CLARK BRIDGE
MAAC, along with the Melrose Historical Society, advocated to have this new bridge officially named the Edwin Clark Bridge. The bridge is a beautiful and lasting tribute to Clark’s contributions to the community. A bronze metal plaque will be erected in its honor.
FUTURE PROJECTS
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!