The Melrose Arts and Cultural Association (MACA), will once again host its annual Arts Festival at Memorial Hall (590 Main St) on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. Doors open to the public from 11-5pm with free admission.

The Festival will showcase the work of over 38 regional painters, photographers, and sculptors. The two-day event will offer continuous live music throughout the day on two stages. Visitors will have the opportunity to relax in a decorated café setting and enjoy catered food and beverages provided by Turner Fisheries.

This year there will be a new feature for families from the Museum of Fine Arts brought by Melrose organization “School Smarts”. The MFA  will be there on Saturday with their outreach program called “Art on the Move” that is geared for children.

On Friday evening March 30, the Festival will kick-off with a gala Preview Party also to be held at Memorial Hall from 7:30-10pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view all exhibitor's displays prior to the weekend show. All artworks will be available for sale during the evening. There will be a fund-raising Silent Auction featuring original art by the exhibitors.

The Preview Party features music by Tony Gallo and his band. (www.tonygallo.com) . Music is being sponsored by Music 101 of Melrose. Food and beverages will be catered by Cedar Perk of Melrose. Tickets for the Preview Party are $15. each and are available for sale at Hourglass, Miter Biter, and Cedar Perk. They will also be available at the door that evening.

The Melrose Arts Festival is made possible by the generous contribution of Comcast and additional funding by East Boston Savings, This program is supported in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.