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

May

25

Independence Day Closings Image

Independence Day Closings

Muscatine Art Center will be closed Friday, July 4 in observation of the Independence Day holiday. In addition, the weekly Mini Masters classes are cancelled for Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3. Thank you and enjoy your holiday!

Jul

18

Footliters Traveling Playhouse - "The School for Spies" Final Performance - July 18   DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM! Image

Footliters Traveling Playhouse - "The School for Spies" Final Performance - July 18 DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM!

The Muscatine community is invited to a free performance of The School for Spies, an original musical featuring local talent. From July 14 through July 18, area kids ages 7 to 18, auditioned, rehearsed, and will perform the musical alongside three professional teaching artists. The School for Spies is a brand-new production with a script from Katie Colletta and original music by Jason Sifford. The theater camp was organized by the Footliters Traveling Playhouse, part of the Coralville Center for Performing Arts. The camp was offered at no cost, thanks to the support of Quad City Arts, through the Arts Dollars re-granting program, supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, The Hubbel-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment.

Jul

27

Red Barn Studio - Loose Brush Technique - July 27 Image

Red Barn Studio - Loose Brush Technique - July 27

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*

Jul

31

Dried Flower Creations with Bonnie Buelt - July 31 Image

Dried Flower Creations with Bonnie Buelt - July 31

Join flower expert and floral artist Bonnie Buelt of Island Floral to learn how to cut, dry, arrange, and preserve flowers from your garden. Participants will see a variety of techniques and finished design options for wreathmaking, wedding bouquets, and floral décor, and will make their own small dried arrangement to take home with them. Register by July 29 by calling (563) 263-8282. Fees are $15 or $13.50 for Friends Members.

Jul

26

Talking Art: Learning to Look - Saturdays, July 26, August 30, and September 27 Image

Talking Art: Learning to Look - Saturdays, July 26, August 30, and September 27

Join artist Carol J. Anthony for this salon-inspired gathering. Through guided discussion, explore original works of art and strengthen your abilities to analyze and decipher art and the intent of the maker. This workshop will offer peer support to learn to look and discuss components of the artistic process. Beginning and established artists interested in developing constructive critique skills, as well as general art lovers, are invited to participate. No prior experience is necessary. Each session will begin by spotlighting a few works in the Muscatine Art Center’s permanent collection. Artists are encouraged to bring in a completed work of art or a work in progress for discussion of the critique elements that could be applied to their own works of art. Please register by the Thursday prior to the Saturday session by calling (563) 263-8282. Fees are $15 or $10 for Friends Members.

Jul

12

Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - "Dubuffet's Dogs" - July 12 Image

Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - "Dubuffet's Dogs" - July 12

This free class is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and their families. Please register by July 10 by calling the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

Jul

22

"DRAGONS" - Mini Art Camp with Mary Alice Sessler & Nancy Foxen - July 23-26, Ages 8+ Image

"DRAGONS" - Mini Art Camp with Mary Alice Sessler & Nancy Foxen - July 23-26, Ages 8+

Art teachers Mary Alice Sessler and Nancy Foxen are at it again! This dynamic duo is back this summer with fun projects every day! You do not need to attend every day of camp, but the projects are meant to build skills and technique for the culminating activity. Call the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282 to sign up by July 22.

Jul

3

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

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

NOTE: CANCELLED Wednesday, July 2 for holiday week! 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!

Jul

3

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

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

NOTE: CANCELLED Thursday, July 3 for holiday week! 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.