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

Mar

30

Rescheduled: Alexander Clark's Legacy: Elevating His Story - March 30 Image

Rescheduled: Alexander Clark's Legacy: Elevating His Story - March 30

Several projects are currently underway to introduce the Alexander Clark story to new audiences, demonstrate his national significance, and broaden understanding of Clark's leadership in his own time. Join author Rachelle Chase and local historian Dan Clark for a discussion on Alexander Clark. *This program was originally scheduled for February 16.*

May

13

Fairy Garden Workshop for Kids - May 13 - Ages 6+ Image

Fairy Garden Workshop for Kids - May 13 - Ages 6+

Let's get together and create whimsical and magical fairy gardens! Each participant will make a fairy house and garden. Please bring your own container. All other supplies will be included.

Apr

22

Teen Workshop: Up-Cycle It - April 22 - Ages 13+ Image

Teen Workshop: Up-Cycle It - April 22 - Ages 13+

To celebrate Earth Day, we will make a few projects from upcycled materials, including keychains, bracelets, and more. All supplies included.

Mar

1

MARCH EVENTS Image

MARCH EVENTS

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

Jun

3

Origami with Miss Heather - June 3 - Ages 8+ Image

Origami with Miss Heather - June 3 - Ages 8+

Pleasant Valley School District art educator Heather Seibel will lead this FREE kids class in learning about origami paper folding.

Jun

10

Teen Workshop: Tie-Dye It - June 10 - Ages 13+ Image

Teen Workshop: Tie-Dye It - June 10 - Ages 13+

Spend your afternoon learning different types of tie-dye techniques. Bring a pre-washed plain black shirt and a pre-washed plain white shirt to dye. All other supplies included.

Apr

8

Kids Open Studio - April 8 Image

Kids Open Studio - April 8

Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8 for a free Kids Open Studio. Admission is free of charge.

Apr

16

Red Barn Studio - Iceland Poppy - April 16 Image

Red Barn Studio - Iceland Poppy - April 16

Local artist Vada Baker returns to the Muscatine Art Center this spring with fresh new projects. Vada gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete your project. Learn new techniques and have all your questions answered in this fun studio class you won't want to miss! Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

May

21

Red Barn Studio - Paint the Sunshine - May 21 Image

Red Barn Studio - Paint the Sunshine - May 21

Local artist Vada Baker returns to the Muscatine Art Center this spring with fresh new projects. Vada gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete your project. Learn new techniques and have all your questions answered in this fun studio class you won't want to miss! Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

Jun

11

Red Barn Studio - Sunflower Earrings or Pendant - June 11 Image

Red Barn Studio - Sunflower Earrings or Pendant - June 11

Local artist Vada Baker returns to the Muscatine Art Center this spring with fresh new projects. Vada gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete your project. Learn new techniques and have all your questions answered in this fun studio class you won't want to miss! Advanced registration required by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

May

20

Kids Open Studio - May 20 Image

Kids Open Studio - May 20

Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday, MAy 20 for a free Kids Open Studio. Admission is free of charge. *NOTE* During this open studio, we will be making tissue paper flowers for one of the projects for Almost Fiesta this June.

Jun

6

Fairtytale Day at West Hill Cakery - June 6 Image

Fairtytale Day at West Hill Cakery - June 6

Hear ye, hear ye! Join Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator Katy at West Hill Cakery on June 6 for a fairytale fantasy day! Enjoy fairytale-themed crafts and activities from the Muscatine Art Center and plenty of fresh-baked sweets from West Hill Cakery. There is no registration for this free event.

Apr

29

Artist Workshops for Kids - Bridget Riley Op Art -  April 29 Image

Artist Workshops for Kids - Bridget Riley Op Art - April 29

Celebrate English modern artist Bridget Riley by creating an Op Art piece of your own. This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by April 28 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

May

13

Artist Workshops for Kids - Marisol Escobar Sculpture - May 13 Image

Artist Workshops for Kids - Marisol Escobar Sculpture - May 13

Celebrate Venezuelan-American artist Marisol Escobar by building a wooden chair sculpture. This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by May 12 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

Jun

17

Artist Workshops for Kids - Saul Steinberg Doodles - June 17 Image

Artist Workshops for Kids - Saul Steinberg Doodles - June 17

Celebrate Romanian-American artist Saul Steinberg by drawing whimsical doodles and turning a paper bag into a mask. This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by June 16 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

Mar

7

Projects to Go - "Take & Makes" Image

Projects to Go - "Take & Makes"

Stop by the Muscatine Art Center during open hours and grab a themed "Take & Make” kit. Each bag contains a few projects that you can complete at home with just a few additional supplies. These crafts make excellent gifts, and the bags are free to pick up! Available select dates (see below). While supplies last. Limit three per household.

Mar

25

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.

Mar

25

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.

May

6

Live Reptiles with Muscatine County Conservation - May 6 Image

Live Reptiles with Muscatine County Conservation - May 6

In partnership with Muscatine County Conservation, join us in the Muscatine Art Center studio to learn about different reptiles with naturalist Michelle Berns! Kids will get to see live reptiles and hear about their habitats and habits. Then, make a craft inspired by snakes to take home! There is no registration for this free event.

Jun

17

Live Raptors with Muscatine County Conservation - June 17 Image

Live Raptors with Muscatine County Conservation - June 17

In partnership with Muscatine County Conservation, join us in the Muscatine Art Center studio to learn about different raptors with naturalist Michelle Berns! Kids will get to see live birds and hear about their habitats and habits. Then, make a craft inspired by owls to take home! There is no registration for this free event.