HISTORIC
MURAL
FROM PAST TO PRESENT
HISTORICAL JOURNEY OF MELROSE
Calling all artists in the Melrose area
The Melrose Area Arts Council (MAAC) is looking for one local area artist to capture the past and present spirit of Melrose in a mural. The proposed mural will be installed on the side of the Midwest Automatic Products building across the street from the Sauk River Park entrance. We have conducted a survey of area residents about what they would like a mural to include and have guidelines from the City of Melrose as to what the mural should contain to be approved.
Our Process
MAAC will be working with Travis Frieler from Sign Lava to create a printed version of the artwork. The artwork will cover an area of 30×10 feet, consisting of six 5×10-foot panels, which will be installed on the Midwest Automatic Products building.
We are asking the chosen artist to create the artwork for this mural at a smaller scale (one third of the size or 120×40 inches), which will then be professionally photographed and scaled up to printed size. Test prints will be made first to ensure the highest quality.
Artists will be reviewed and chosen by our Mural Committee after the application deadline.
Artist Commission
Total of $4,800 ($800 per panel)
A down-payment will be given up front with remaining reward upon completion of the artwork.
Application Process
Please submit the following using the MAAC Mural Google Form Application:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Mural Draft
Using the survey results and City of Melrose Mural Ordinance, we are asking you to create a draft of your idea for the mural. This does not need to be a completed painting, but we would like to see a little more than bare bones and stick figures. Include the crucial elements and details you wish to showcase and describe your thinking to us. The more explanation you can provide, the better.
The City of Melrose Mural Ordinance states:
“Design must be reflective of community and history [of Melrose]
with a focused theme”
Projected Timeline
November 15, 2025: Due date for Application, Portfolio and Mural Idea (Draft)
December 1, 2025: Artist selection by Mural Committee
December 2025 – June 14, 2026:
- Artist works on pieces and checks in with mural committee regularly
- Application for a conditional use permit
- Public hearing before the Planning & Zoning Commission
- Approval of the City Council
April 20-25, 2026: Artwork drafts displayed at the Melrose Area Festival of the Arts with artist descriptions and inspirations/influences
June 15, 2026: Artwork finalized and ready to be photographed
June 16-30, 2026: Artwork will be photographed
June-July 2026: Travis Frieler will work on the printing process
End of July/beginning of August 2026: Artwork to be installed on Midwest Automatic Products building
Night to Unite, first Wednesday in August 2026: Celebration of Mural completion
