Lee Dam Center For Fine Art
In the beginning...
This unique red brick and limestone building was built in 1903. Tall windows let light stream in and huge roll-up doors separate what is now the Art Gallery from a studio-workroom to the south. An office, small kitchen, and two restrooms complete the main floor.
It was originally a Methodist Church until approximately 1958. For a few years after, the building sat empty until the Marshall County News purchased the building for storage. Eventually, Lee and Betty Dam purchased the building for their sewing machine business.
...The Life of Lee & Betty Dam
Lee Dam was an entrepreneur who developed City Sewing Machine Co., a company that once employed up to 80 persons, while he was a door-to-door-salesman. At one point the art center was used as a warehouse for his business.
Then in 1953, Mr. Dam married Betty Jeanne Nordhus and they had four daughters. He died in 1977 at age 48. When Mr. Dam passed away, Mrs. Dam donated the building to the City of Marysville with the stipulation it be used for the arts.
Mr. Dam’s friend, postmaster Clarence Wassenberg, was quoted in the Marysville Advocate as saying, “He improved his properties, employed lots of people, paid good wages and treated his employees very, very well.”
A lasting tradition of fine art
After the building was donated, the Marysville Area Friends of the Arts worked hard to turn it into a cultural attraction. Nearly twenty years ago, when the Marysville Area Friends of the Arts disbanded, the City of Marysville entered into a contract with the Marshall County Arts Cooperative to manage the building.
The arts cooperative believes the arts unite – the arts bring people together. That’s why we use this space to provide art education, offer free exhibitions in our gallery and host a number of arts events in this special space.
Visit the Art center
201 South 9th Street, Marysville
Visiting the Gallery
The gallery is open Sundays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.; Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
For a private tour or to make arrangements to view an exhibition at a different time, please call or text 785-859-4260.
from the archive
Upcoming Exhibitions
February – Beyond the Oval Office
March – Student Showcase
April – Marshall County Historical Photos
Rent the Art center
The Lee Dam Center for Fine Art offers a premiere venue for your gathering. Social, corporate and artistic events are all welcome at the art center. From the scenic view of downtown Marysville to the beautiful chandelier in the main gallery, enjoy the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art’s unique space for your special gathering.