About
Mission Statement
To develop and cultivate an expanding interest in art within Jackson County residents and visitors to our community by supporting lifelong learning, sustaining our cultural heritage, and appreciating the arts in our everyday lives.
History and Vision
Maquoketa Art Experience (MAE) is a non-profit organization established in 2008 and located in downtown Maquoketa, Iowa. MAE is dedicated to arts education, fostering an appreciation of the arts and to building community by engaging the residents of Maquoketa and surrounding areas in diverse creative activities.
MAE’s art facility located in a large space that was formerly four separate storefronts is designed to host various types of workshops, classes, demonstrations, presentations performances and events. Fine art music writing crafts and unique art experiences are enjoyed at MAE. The MAE space exposes the community to exceptional, local, regional and visiting artists through exhibitions and special workshops.
Maquoketa is situated midway between Dubuque and Davenport and is the midpoint of the Grant Wood Scenic Byway, running from Stone City to Bellevue. As we participate in the development of an Eastern Iowa Arts Corridor between the Quad Cities and Dubuque, we continue to play an important role in the Scenic Byway, along with Maquoketa Caves State Park, Old City Hall Gallery, Ohnward Fine Arts Center, antique shops, and 38 historical sites in our town.
With rotating exhibits and numerous opportunities for creativity and entertainment, we hope to make Maquoketa Art Experience a must-see destination for visitors as we expand our offerings to our town and region. Our calendar of proposed activities is ambitious and expanding due to the excitement caused by the growing list of committed community volunteers. We are a community investing in our future, anxious to collaborate with our neighbors and seeking to build true partnerships with willing entities.
