Muscatine Art Center

Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center encounter paintings made by artists recognized around the world, fascinating objects connected to Muscatine’s past, beautifully crafted decorative arts, charming period rooms, and a Japanese Garden installed nearly a century ago. Learners of all ages can pique their curiosity through changing exhibitions, classes, and events.

Hours

Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm
Thurs: 10am - 7pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 5pm
Mon: Closed

1314 Mulberry Ave,
Muscatine, IA 52761

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The Mansion circa 1910

Since 1965 ...

The Laura Musser Museum, later renamed the Muscatine Art Center, has been an important gathering place for the Muscatine community. Laura Musser McColm’s niece, Mary Musser Gilmore, and Laura’s stepdaughter, Mary Catherine Atkins McWhirter, jointly offered the home to the City of Muscatine and established a trust to aid in the maintenance of the house.

Over generations, Muscatine children have participated in school and youth group programs and studio classes, families have attended cultural events, adults have further developed their artistic skills and deepened their knowledge of local history and art related topics. Since 1976, the Stanley Gallery has displayed countless changing art and history exhibitions. Today, first time visitors and long time friends alike are captivated by the historic home, the collection, and the stories presented in exhibitions.

Events & Classes

Nov

15

Save the Date: Cultural Alliance Luncheon - November 15 Image

Save the Date: Cultural Alliance Luncheon - November 15

Many of the area cultural groups you know and love are collaborating to present a “Cultural Alliance” luncheon at the Merrill Hotel ballroom on November 15th. The event will celebrate the accomplishments of these organizations while also raising funds to support their programs, projects, and other initiatives. Look for details in October.

Oct

26

Day of the Dead Family Celebration - October 26 Image

Day of the Dead Family Celebration - October 26

Spend the afternoon at the Muscatine Art Center to commemorate Dia de los Muertos or, Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday where families come together to honor their loved ones who have passed. Drop in between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. for Dia de los Muertos crafts and activities to celebrate the holiday. No registration required.

Dec

7

Ornament Competition/Family Festival & Market - December 7 Image

Ornament Competition/Family Festival & Market - December 7

Get festive for a good cause! Support Friends of the Muscatine Art Center by attending the Family Festival & Market and be among the very first to purchase ornaments from the Heartfelt & Handmade Ornament Competition. Ornaments purchased during the event will be available to take home that day. New this year is the Family Festival & Market which includes a vendor market, studio crafts for kids, photos with Santa, and a free-will donation hot chocolate bar. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Muscatine Art Center and educational programs at the Muscatine Art Center. Sponsors include HNI Corporation and SSAB.

Dec

24

Closed for Christmas December 24 & 25 Image

Closed for Christmas December 24 & 25

The Muscatine Art Center will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas. We will reopen Thursday, December 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Dec

31

Closing for New Year's December 31 at 2:00 pm & Closed January 1 Image

Closing for New Year's December 31 at 2:00 pm & Closed January 1

The Muscatine Art Center will close at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 and remain closed Wednesday, January 1 in observance of New Year's. We will reopen Thursday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Nov

28

Closed for Thanksgiving November 28 & 29 Image

Closed for Thanksgiving November 28 & 29

The Muscatine Art Center will be closed November 28 & 29 in observance of Thanksgiving. We will reopen November 30 at 1:00 p.m.

Nov

2

Clay Gnomes with Miss Heather - November 2 & 16 - Ages 9+ Image

Clay Gnomes with Miss Heather - November 2 & 16 - Ages 9+

Pleasant Valley School District art educator Heather Seibel will lead this kids class where kids will create clay gnomes. Call 563-263-8282 to sign up. Note: this is a two session class. FREE.

Dec

21

Teen Workshop: Bleach Dyed Shirts - December 21 - Ages 13+ Image

Teen Workshop: Bleach Dyed Shirts - December 21 - Ages 13+

Teens can get creative with fun and easy crafts and projects, complete with snacks and music. On December 21st, drop in to dye shirts with bleach. **BRING YOUR OWN DARK-COLORED SHIRTS**. Registration not required.

Nov

9

Teen Workshop: Macrame & Beaded Bracelets - November 9 - Ages 13+ Image

Teen Workshop: Macrame & Beaded Bracelets - November 9 - Ages 13+

Teens can get creative with fun and easy crafts and projects, complete with snacks and music. On November 9th, drop in to make macrame and seed bead bracelets. Registration not required.

Oct

1

OCTOBER EVENTS Image

OCTOBER EVENTS

Check flyer below for at-a-glance information on what is happening at the Muscatine Art Center during the month of October! Call us at 563-263-8282 for more information on classes, programming, and to sign up.

Oct

17

Adult Studio: Weaving Workshop with Heather Seibel - October 17 & 24, November 14 & 21 Image

Adult Studio: Weaving Workshop with Heather Seibel - October 17 & 24, November 14 & 21

Dive into the fun world of weaving while creating unique wall hangings in this four part studio class. This class is for both beginners and experienced alike! We will cover basics such as warping a loom and weaving techniques but also experiment with fun textures through a variety of more advanced techniques. Class fee is $50 for all four workshops. Register by October 16.

Oct

31

Trick-Or-Treat at the Muscatine Art Center - October 31 Image

Trick-Or-Treat at the Muscatine Art Center - October 31

Celebrate the end of spooky season by stopping by the Muscatine Art Center on your trick-or-treating route on Halloween night. Miss Katy will be on the front porch of the historic Musser-McColm mansion and will have Halloween Take & Makes (while supplies last), some treats, and maybe some tricks! No registration required.

Dec

5

Free Performance: Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series Presents Sunny Jain Image

Free Performance: Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series Presents Sunny Jain

The Muscatine Art Center is excited to announce a free live performance from Sunny Jain on Thursday, December 5 beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the Muscatine Art Center Music Room. The FREE performance is in partnership with Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.

Oct

20

Red Barn Studio - Hay Harvest - October 20 Image

Red Barn Studio - Hay Harvest - October 20

Learn to paint beautiful watercolors using various techniques and learned skills. Follow along as artist Vada Baker guides participants through each step of the painting process, adding your own flair as you go. All supplies included. No experience necessary. Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282. *FEES MUST BE PAID AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION*

Oct

19

Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - Faith Ringgold - October 19 Image

Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - Faith Ringgold - October 19

This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by October 18 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

Nov

30

Gingerbread House Workshop - November 30 Image

Gingerbread House Workshop - November 30

Get ready for the delicious smell of gingerbread! Join Miss Julie to build your own gingerbread house! Fee for one house is $12 and includes icing ONLY. Please bring your own candy. Class size is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by November 26.

Oct

26

Projects to Go - "Take & Makes" Image

Projects to Go - "Take & Makes"

Stop by the Muscatine Art Center during open hours and grab a craft bag, each one containing some supplies to make a few projects. These bags are free to pick up while supplies last.

Oct

15

Mini Masters Wednesday Mornings @ 9:30 a.m. Image

Mini Masters Wednesday Mornings @ 9:30 a.m.

Mini Masters is a free class that meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Reservations required. Call 563-263-8282 to register. These classes are free. See below for updated calendar.

Oct

15

Mini Masters Thursday Afternoons @ 3:30 p.m. Image

Mini Masters Thursday Afternoons @ 3:30 p.m.

Mini Masters is a free class that meets Thursday afternoons at 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Reservations required. Call 563-263-8282 to register. These classes are free. See below for updated calendar.