COMMUNITY ARTISTS

3rd Annual Melrose Area Festival of the Arts

A Celebration of Creativity and Community

The Melrose area will once again come alive with the Annual Festival of the Arts, this year at the Melrose American Legion and streamlined into two exciting days—Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9. Festivities begin earlier in the week, starting Monday, May 4, with an author talk at the Melrose City Center. On Tuesday, May 5, choir students will provide musical entertainment for residents at Cura of Melrose, followed by a quilt parade. All other happenings will be taking place Friday and Saturday.

Author Talk & Book Signing: Visit with Layla Reed as she talks about her books and writing process. Publications by Reed include: The Secrets of Adley Creek, Something Good, Chokecherry Drive, and more. Monday, May 4, 6:30-7:30 pm., Melrose City Center.

Local Author Book Display: During Festival week, the Melrose Public Library will showcase books published by local authors. Stop by and check them out!

Quilt Parade & Music: On Tuesday, May 5 from 1–3 p.m., join us in the chapel at Cura of Melrose for entertainment by the Melrose Middle and High School Choirs, along with a Quilt Parade for all to enjoy.

Local Artists & Vendors: There’s still time to join the festival—sign up by April 15. Contact Lora Fandrey at 630-544-7059.

Quilt & Fiber Art Display: To showcase fiber art, sign up online or contact Monika Kraker at 320-248-7149 for details. Info is due by April 30, with quilts and other items dropped off by May 4.

Student Art Display: We’re teaming up with local school art teachers to feature a variety of student-created pieces.

Community Award Recipient: Just like the past two years, we’ll be honoring a special person from our community. Who is it? Come find out on Friday, May 8 at 5 pm!

Mural Artist Meet & Greet: Come meet local artist Justine Meyer on Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 4 pm. She’ll be happy to answer questions about the mural she’s creating for our community, and you can check out her work in progress on display. Don’t miss it!

Art Auction: Check out unique artwork created by local artists. You can view and bid online before the festival or in person at the festival. More details will be available soon. Be sure to get your bids in before the auction wraps up at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 9!

Children’s Activities: Fun activities and face painting are planned for the kids.

Legion Burger Night: It’s Burger Night at the Legion from 4:30-7:30 pm. Enjoy a great burger and explore the festival displays and celebrate local creativity.

Food Trucks: We’re working to bring food trucks to the festival on Saturday.

Musical Entertainment: Gene Imdieke, Rock N Country DJ, will be performing on Friday afternoon.