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 HAPPENINGS
District 740 Area Mural
Bringing communities together through art
The Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) 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 our District 740 Area. As we think about what’s important to us and share in this survey what themes we would like to see reflected in the mural, we are bringing communities together through art. We hope to represent the people, history, achievements, ethnicities, and life experiences of all ages.
We ask that you take a few minutes to fill out this survey, sharing your thoughts on what themes you would like to see reflected in the mural. With your help we can make this mural a community-involved success. Thank you for your time and participation.
You are invited
Join the Melrose Area Senior Citizens group for their Soup Luncheon on Wednesday, February 12, 11:30 pm, Melrose Area Senior Activity Center, followed by a presentation by MAAC member Joyce Terwey and Julia Gustafson from Two Rivers Monuments at noon.
What do you really want on your tombstone?
A black and white introduction on how to plan for your or a loved one’s headstone
Everyone has a story to tell and what better place to share it, other than on your headstone. Joyce Terwey from Two Rivers Monuments and a member of the Melrose Area Arts Council, along with Julia Gustafson from Two Rivers Monuments, will discuss the basics about monuments and what everyone should know and keep in mind when planning a headstone.
Items to be covered:
- Shapes and styles of monuments
- Types and colors of granite and where it originates
- Prices of monuments
- Lettering/fonts: what works best on the shape and type of granite chosen
- Artwork
- Sandblasting
- Shape Carving
- Laser
- Diamond Hand Etching (a demonstration of hand etching will be included)
- Costs: general costs that go along with ordering a monument
- Once this information is gathered, what should you do with it and where should you go with it?
May you “Rest in Peace” knowing your story is being told the way you want it.
Mark your calendars and join us for the Melrose Area Festival of the Arts April 30 through May 3, 2025. We are planning a similar event to last year with a quilt exhibit, workshops in different areas of the arts, artist displays and demonstrations, local authors, and book readings. Come celebrate the arts in our communities!
We invite you to submit your art for display. Go to the Melrose Area Festival of the Arts page for more info.
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.
MAAC Art Auction wrap up
MAAC’s Art Auction Fundraiser concluded after several busy months. We would like to extend our gratitude to the following:
Uphus Law for providing the space
Emily from the 510 Art Lab for the valuable information
All the artists who generously donated their works
Dan and Nancy Petermeier for their generous volunteer work in taking all the photographs for the display
The auction committee and everyone involved in planning and executing the auction
The community for supporting MAAC and the Arts
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!