Where Art Connects Community

Welcome to the Fort Madison Area Arts Association (FMAAA Art Center)—your local hub for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and community connection. Whether you’re an artist, an art enthusiast, or someone looking to explore creativity, our doors are open to inspire and engage all.

Our Mission

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The mission of the Fort Madison Area Arts Association and the Art Center we provide is to advance the visual and cultural arts to enrich the quality of life and learning for all ages in Fort Madison and the Tri-State area.

We believe that art is for everyone and that creative expression strengthens our community, fosters lifelong learning, and brings people together.

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Our history…

Founded in 1979 by a group of passionate artists and community leaders, the Fort Madison Area Arts Association has grown into a vibrant hub for creativity, culture, and connection in Southeast Iowa. The Fort Madison Area Arts Association (FMAAA) is proudly housed at 825 Avenue G, a location steeped in the history of Fort Madison’s vibrant downtown. The surrounding area is known for its rich architectural heritage and deep ties to the community’s cultural and economic development. Fort Madison itself, established in the early 1800s, has long been a hub of commerce and creativity along the Mississippi River. The building at 825 Avenue G has served various purposes over the years, and today, it stands as a beacon for the arts, welcoming artists and art lovers alike.

Our staff…

Lori Illner Greene, former Executive Director of the FMAAA from 2021 to December of 2024, returned in August of 2025 as Interim Director. She is focusing on stabilizing the Art Center after the loss of our VISTA Program Director position (organizes classes and activities at the art center) and setting it on a new course with a more decentralized operating structure. The Board is collaborating with Lori to implement several key committees to oversee various aspects of the FMAAA Art Center. This initiative is expected to strengthen the long term resilience of this long time institution.

A big WELCOME to our new Administrator, Rick Grabowski. Rick has a wide background of experiences from his time as an active duty Marine Corps officer, to his most recent stint as Dean of Students at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico Missouri. He is an excellent communicator and has extensive administrative experience. His arrival just as we are implementing a new structure is somewhat ideal given his experience in bringing people together to achieve common goals.

Rick is a stained-glass artist and an avid gardener. As an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, Rick will be a great asset to our organization. Lori Illner Greene will continue to support Rick during a transition period

Our Volunteers…

Volunteers are the heart of our art center. In fact, it would be difficult to be open on a regular basis without their assistance because the paid staff are part-timers. Our friendly volunteers excel at greeting guests, performing artwork sales on behalf of our member artists, assisting with class registrations, setting up exhibits, or jumping in behind the scenes, their dedication brings our mission to life. Thanks to their creativity, time, and passion, we’re able to offer a vibrant space where the arts are accessible to all. We are endlessly grateful for their dedication and the difference they make in our community.

Jim Knapp

Carlene Dingman Atwater

Diane Jennings

Donna Peirce

Roxanne Puga

PJ Hogan

Kent Mulholland

Beth Steeples

Christine Williamson

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved? Join our amazing team of volunteers! Explore your creative side in a creative environment. Or, if you just want to support the arts and love helping people, there’s a place for you at the art center. From event help to gallery support, volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, inspiring space for all. No art experience needed — just a willingness to jump in and make a difference! Contact us at vc@fortmadisonart.com for more information!

Executive Board…

The Fort Madison Art Center’s Executive Board is made up of dedicated community members who are passionate about the arts and committed to the mission of our organization. Their leadership, vision, and guidance help shape the direction of the art center, ensuring it remains a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable space for creativity to flourish. Through strategic planning and hands-on support, our board plays a vital role in strengthening the impact of the arts in our community.

What We Offer

🎨 Exhibitions & Galleries

• Rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists
• A dedicated Member Gallery showcasing our vibrant artist community
• Monthly Pop-Up Gallery features highlighting unique artistic voices

🖌 Classes & Workshops

• Art classes for all ages and skill levels
• Hands-on workshops in painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and more
• Special programs designed to engage kids, adults, and seniors in creative expression

🎭 Events & Community Engagement

• Monthly Artist Hub Night – a gathering for artists and creatives to connect
• Family-Friendly Art Events
• Signature Fundraisers – Artistry After Dark, Trivia Night, Brews & Brushes, and the Riverfront Art Festival

🖼 Creative Spaces & Resources

• Two working studios for artists and creatives
• A welcoming space where collaboration and artistic growth flourish
• Volunteer and membership opportunities to get involved and make a difference

Contact Us