Where Art Connects Community

Welcome to the Fort Madison Area Arts Association (FM 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…

Meet our Director, Molly Smeltser. She is a native of Fort Madison, graduated in 1997 from FMHS and later received her bachelor degrees in Instructional Technology & Telecommunications, Graphic Design and Computer Science. Molly has been married to her husband, Josh, for 18 years, she is a mom to eight amazing kids ranging in age from 26-8, and in February a new title – grandma. Molly’s life is full of creativity, chaos, and heart. She is deeply passionate about bringing the arts to the forefront of our community—believing that not everyone is an athlete, and that the arts go far beyond paint brushes and canvases. Under her leadership, FMAAA continues to grow as a welcoming space where creativity thrives and everyone can find their unique voice.

Kristin Doney, is our Americorp VISTA Specialist for Programming Development & Implementation. For Kristin, art has always been a source of joy and connection. With a background in Integrated Studio Art and a minor in Music, she’s explored a variety of media—from charcoal and watercolor to gouache, oil, and clay—often inspired by the beauty of the human form. As a mother of four and a passionate artist, she brings creativity and warmth to every project. Through a Volunteer Iowa VISTA grant, Kristin serves our Program Director, where she develops programs that use the arts to support youth development and build creative problem-solving skills for the future.

Our Volunteers…

Volunteers are the heart of our art center. Whether greeting guests, assisting with classes, 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 every moment they give and the difference they make in our community.

Jim Knapp

Carlene Dingman Atwater

Diane Jennings

Donna Peirce

Roxanne Puga

Stephanie Hoemman

PJ Hogan

Beth Steeples

Christine Williamson

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved? Join our amazing team of volunteers! Whether you’re passionate about the arts or just 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 – from Chalk the Walk to our Paint the Town Scavenger Hunt
• Signature Fundraisers – Artistry After Dark, Trivia Night, Brews & Brushes, and the Winter Holiday Market

🖼 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