Creative Community 2025

Mexico, Missouri

Mexico, Missouri, with a population of 11,543, serves as the county seat of Audrain County, which boasts a population of 24,962.

The spirit of Mexico is best encapsulated by the term "resilient," showcasing the community's ability to rebound from industrial setbacks with creativity. The region now embraces a surge in artistic programs and opportunities, underscoring its cultural richness. Mexico and its neighboring communities are characterized by an aging population, with a significant majority of individuals aged over 65 years. Concurrently, Mexico faces a childcare crisis, creating a demand for innovative and cost-effective alternatives to conventional childcare services. The Midwest stands as a bastion of cultural significance, to be cherished for its historical depth, diversity, resilience, and spirit of generosity. Mexico personifies all of those attributes and contributes even more.

Congratulations to Mexico and its citizens for being the 2025 Missouri Creative Community Award winner! this award is given from the State of Missouri from the Lt. Governor’s office through the Missouri Arts Council.

Galleries

In the last few years Mexico has seen a growth in the arts and now boasts several galleries!

Presser Arts Center Theatre

Presser Hall was built in 1924 has part of Hardin College. In 1985 the Presser Hall Restoration Society was formed to restore the building and provide fine arts to the community and surrounding areas. Since 2007 the building has served as an Arts Center and in 2017 built a $3.5 million addition to provide more arts programs and better serve the community.

Presser Arts Center Classes & Workshops

Presser Arts Center offers courses in multiple mediums of art and music. So far Presser has offered ceramics, stained glass, painting, drawing, glass fusion, piano, dance, voice and more!

Youth Summer Camps & Activities

Presser Arts Center starting holding theatre camps for children in 2008. The program has grown to over 40 camps per year serving 300+ children. Each year the Audrain County Historical Society hosts History Camp. Each year is a different theme. The local area YMCA offers a comprehensive day camp for youth through July.

Summer In Mexico Missouri!

Mexico, Missouri really shines during the summertime! Each week there is something creative and new to do! The Parks and Recreation Department hosts Concerts in the Park every Tuesday. At the public pool there are Flick & Floats. Walk Back in Time is a 3 day festival held every other September by the Audrain County Historical Society. The Soybean Festival takes place on our historic square at the end of August. There is a carnival with rides and games and a main stage with live music.

Miss Missouri State Competition

Each June the town of Mexico explodes with activity and people as the host of the Miss Missouri Pageant each year. Each night of the pageant is a spectacular display of talent and beauty. The winner of Miss Missouri goes on to compete in the Miss America Pageant.

Missouri Military Academy

The historic Missouri Military Academy is an all-make boarding school. Each year MMA hosts multiple artistic events including Jazz on the Lake, Festival of the Arts, Evensong, and a theatre production taught by Presser Arts Center.

Seasonal Events & Attractions

Audrain- Mexico Public Library

The Mexico-Audrain Public Library hosts Book & Art Parties along with a lapsit and storytime hour for youth in the community.

The Old Pharmacy & Ceramic Shoppe

Color Me Bleu

Callaway Fields & J. Marshall

Hickory Ridge Orchard & Events

Mexico Public School District

Homestead Hearth

Mexico Missouri has become a destination for quilters young and old to Homestead Hearth. With prints ranging from 1890 reproductions to the most current modern quilting fabrics, Homestead Hearth serves quilters of all ages and aesthetics.

Janet’s Dance Studio

Museums

Mexico, Missouri is a vibrant community with a rich array of cultural, artistic, educational, and recreational programs that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's always something to explore and enjoy. Mexico places a high value on the arts, fostering a creative environment through various means of support. The city actively promotes artistic endeavors through financial backing, community service, and extensive outreach efforts. One of the primary ways Mexico supports the arts is through city grants. These grants provide essential funding for a variety of artistic projects and programs, ensuring that artists and cultural organizations have the resources they need to thrive. This financial support helps maintain a rich tapestry of cultural activities that benefit the entire community. Additionally, the residents of Mexico demonstrate their commitment to the arts through active community service days. These events bring together volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting local arts initiatives. Whether it's setting up for events, maintaining public art installations, or assisting with workshops, the community's hands-on involvement is a testament to their dedication to the arts. Our local radio station plays a crucial role in promoting arts and cultural events in Mexico By providing advertising and outreach at no cost, these stations help ensure that information about events and opportunities reaches a broad audience. This widespread promotion helps drive high attendance at events, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural experience. The programs and opportunities available in Mexico are largely produced by volunteers. This grassroots approach not only keeps costs low but also strengthens the community's connection to the arts. The high turnout at events is a clear indication of the community's enthusiasm and support for one another's creative endeavors.

In Mexico, the arts play a crucial role in bringing people together, fostering a sense of unity, and promoting personal and collective growth. In our community various artistic programs are encouraged to engage individuals of all ages in healthy and productive ways. Presser Arts Center offers workshops in painting, ceramics, music, dance, and drama, which provide a platform for people to express themselves creatively. These programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or skill level, can participate and benefit. One of the significant impacts of these programs is the way they build understanding and empathy among community members. Through collaborative projects and performances, people from diverse backgrounds come together, share their stories, and learn from each other. This interaction breaks down barriers and fosters a culture of acceptance and mutual respect. Moreover, the arts have proven to be a powerful tool for personal development. Many participants have discovered new talents and passions, which have opened up new career opportunities and hobbies. The confidence and skills gained through artistic endeavors often translate into other areas of life, encouraging perseverance and resilience. Leadership Mexico through the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce has worked with the local artisans and community members to introduce new leaders to the arts through workshops, connections, and volunteer opportunities. We all work together to create! Mexico offers art festivals and exhibitions to further enhance this sense of connection. These events not only showcase local talent but also create a vibrant atmosphere where people can celebrate their cultural heritage and traditions. They serve as a reminder of the community's collective identity and its rich, diverse history. In essence, the arts in Mexico are more than just a form of entertainment; they are a vital component of social cohesion and personal enrichment. They provide a space for dialogue, creativity, and support, making a lasting impact on the lives of our citizens.

The Arts in Mexico Missouri are very lucky to have the support of many organizations and foundations.

Altrusa, AP Green Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Mexico, City of Mexico, City of Mexico-Parks & Recreation, Commerce Bank, Cusick Foundation, Edmonston Foundation, Griffin Family Foundation, Hubble, Leach Foundation, M&M Golf, Mexico Heating, Mexico Jaycees, Mexico Kiwanis, Mexico Rotary, Mexico Womens Club, Missouri Military Academy, Pearl Motor Company, Stribling Foundation, True Manufacturing, United Credit Union, Zenith Aircraft

Additional Art Related Events in Mexico Missouri

Adult Coloring Stress Therapy- Audrain County Library

Air Force Band Concert- MMA

Anointed Life Ministries Foundation

Arts Summit

Audrain Relay for Life

Ballet Production- Missouri Contemporary Ballet Company

Bark in the Park

Book Signings- Multiple Authors

Community Band

Community Choir

Dog Splash Day at the City Pool

Earth Day in Green Estates Park

Farmers Market

Film Premiers at Presser Arts Center

Johnny Appleseed Day

Kids Free Fishing Derby

Knights of Columbus Beer Fest

Living Nativity at First Christian Church

Mexico Garden Club

Polar Bear Plunge

Safety Town

Old Classic Car Shows

Presser Arts Center Gala

Scattering Forks Haunt Walk

Simmons Stables International Saddlebred Hall of Fame

Spring Fling at First Presbyterian

Senior Expo

St. Brendens Corned Beer and Cabbage St. Paddys Day Celebration

Teddy Bear Picnic

Tree City USA

Tree lighting United Credit Union

Turkey Trot at YMCA

Village Square Association

Zenith Air Show and Fly-In