Events and Classes Calendar

Kid Classes

Adult Classes

Events

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.

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!

60th Anniversary Celebration - September 18

Gather with your fellow Muscatine Art Center friends and supporters to celebrate the first 60 years of this local treasure! Take in the new exhibition, "Midwest Icons: Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, and Thomas Hart Benton," and meet artist Kimble Bromley who will unveil his painting of the Japanese Garden, created for the anniversary celebration. The unveiling and brief remarks are scheduled for 5:45 p.m. This event is free and registration is not required. All are welcome!

Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - "Ben Shahn" - September 20

Ben Shahn was a Lithuanian-born American artist trained as a printmaker. He was inspired by social issues, American consumer culture, and the lives of everyday people, including shopping carts which will be the focus of this engaging drawing exercise. Please register by September 18.

Bilingual Mini Masters Fourth Tuesdays September 23 at 10:30 a.m.

The new Bilingual Mini Masters is a free class in partnership with the Diversity Service Center of Iowa to provide Spanish language translations. The classes will be offered the fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. These sessions mirror the original Mini Masters classes with a storybook reading and art projects, but will provide the story and all instructions in both English and Spanish. These classes are free with no registration required.

Marvin Cone and Grant Wood: Their Life, Artworks, and Friendship - September 25

In celebration of the new "Midwest Icons" exhibit, art scholar Carol Ehlers, a noter lecturer who volunteers at the Figge Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago, will discuss two Iowa artists, Grant Wood and Marvin Cone. The presentation will explore the friendship of these master artists and offer insights into their life stories through their extraordinary bodies of work. This event is free, and no registration is required.

Talking About Art: Learning to Look - 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.

Red Barn Studio - Vibrant Color - September 28

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*

Adult Studio: Clay Leaf Bowls with Heather Seibel - October 2 & October 16

In this workshop, use simple clay slabs and basic shapes and found materials to create stunning bowls and platters. Experiment with texture and sculptural add-ons for a truly unique piece. In the first class on October 2nd, we will build the bowl/platter, and glaze them in the second class on October 16th.

Muscatine County Conservation Visits the Japanese Garden - October4

Our friends from Muscatine County Conservation will visit the Muscatine Art Center's extraordinary Japanese Garden. All ages are encouraged with a nature storybook reading, meditative practice, and nature journaling. Attendees will each start their own nature journal as part of the experience. There is no registration for this free event celebrating the fall season in our beautiful garden.

Family Resources Muscatine Community Arts Collaboration - October 9

Family Resources is engaging communities throughout the region to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Participants will create simple butterflies and painted rocks which will be shared across Muscatine to empower survivors and raise awareness of domestic violence resources. This community arts collaboration is free to the public, and all supplies will be provided.

Artist Workshops for Kids with Miss Julie - Grant Wood's Landscape Desk Calendar - October 11

We'll celebrate the new Midwest Icons exhibit in the Stanley Gallery with a special Grant Wood desk calendar project. Kids will use simple tools to incise foil plate to construct their own version of one of Grant Wood's lesser know works of mixed media.

Mad Creek Mudcats Performance - October 12

Bring your lawn chair or blanket and take in the musical magic of the Mad Creek Mudcats. The concert is intended to be held outdoors at the E. Bradford Burns Performing Arts Park (below the Expressive Spirit sculpture). In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved indoors to the Stanley Gallery. This event is free and registration is not required. All are welcome!

Learning to Look: "Midwest Icons" - October 18

Join artist Carol J. Anthony for a guided discussion exploring original works by Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, and Thomas Hart Benton in the new “Midwest Icons” exhibit. This workshop will offer peer support to learn to look, strengthen the ability to analyze and decipher art, and the intent of the maker. Beginning and working artists interested in developing constructive visual appreciation skills, as well as general art lovers, are invited to participate. There is no cost for this special offering. Please register by the Thursday prior to the Saturday session by calling (563) 263-8282. Fees are $15 or $10 for Friends Members.

Bilingual Mini Masters Third Tuesdays October 21 at 3:30 p.m.

The new Bilingual Mini Masters is a free class in partnership with the Diversity Service Center of Iowa to provide Spanish language translations. Now that we are back to school the classes will be offered the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. These sessions mirror the original Mini Masters classes with a storybook reading and art projects, but will provide the story and all instructions in both English and Spanish. These classes are free with no registration required.

Haunted Houses with Miss Heather - October 23 - Ages 9+

Explore the spooky fun of drawing Victorian haunted houses. This class will break down how to draw more detailed house designs, so students can have fun experimenting with a variety of details like balconies, crazy roof shapes, wonky windows and doors and, of course, any haunted elements! The class is free but beware.... you must register by October 21 or be doomed!

Adult Studio: Pet Portraits with Brianna Rivers - October 25

Join artist Brianna Rivers to bring a portrait of your favorite pet to life. Submit a photograph of your pet when you register and start your painting with a professional sketch! All supplies are included, and no experience is necessary. Register by October 10 to allow time for sketches by calling (563) 263-8282. Fees are $35 or $30 for Friends Members.

Red Barn Studio - Daisies - October 26