MUSCATINE, IOWA (February 24, 2020) — Spring is in the air at the Muscatine Art Center, and the season is chockfull of fun! In addition to Mini Masters for the youngest learners and Kids’ Saturday Workshops for school-aged kids, free spring break activities and events for families are on the calendar.

Spring Break

Families can drop in anytime 1-3PM on Tuesday, March 17, Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19, during “Spring Break Boredom Busters.” Katy Loos, Program Coordinator at the Muscatine Art Center, will present a different theme each afternoon starting with St Patrick’s Day fun, art games/scavenger hunts, and science meets art. A light snack and juice will provided. Reservations are not required. An adult is intended to accompany children during this free program.

Also during Spring Break, families can drop in for open studio. Activities appropriate for kids ages 2 to 10 will be offered on Wednesday, March 18, 9:30-11AM. There is no fee, and families can come and go as they please. The “Learn to Look” Gallery for kids will also be open.

Family Events

For events, the Muscatine Art Center will celebrate National Children’s Craft Day on Saturday, March 14, 1-4PM. Families can stop by any time and open their child’s eyes to the world of crafts. Craft supplies will be provided, and the project can be completed at the Muscatine Art Center or at home. No registration is required for this free event.

Families are invited to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, by crafting a “green” project using only recycled materials. Families can drop by anytime 1:30-4PM. No registration is required for this free event.

On Friday, May 8, children and their moms (or grandmothers, aunts, neighbors) are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a special party at the Muscatine Art Center. The day will be filled with tasty treats, games, dress-up, a craft to commemorate mom, and a special Teddy Bear or other stuffed toy for kids. Registration is required, and space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Three times are offered: 10AM, 1:30PM, and 3:30PM. Activities will last approximately 75 minutes, but participants are welcome to play longer in the “Learn to Look” Gallery. A donation of $5 per person is appreciated but not required. Thank you to AnnsArts for gifting the Teddy Bears for this event!

Reoccurring Activities

Starting on February 29, school-aged children and younger can pick up a “take and make” project at the Front Desk when they visit on Saturday or Sunday. These free projects are presented in a bag and require only a few standard supplies to complete. Weekend hours are 1-5PM, and please take only one project bag per child per visit.

For kids as young as 2, the Muscatine Art Center offers a variety of classes to help build skills and make memories. Kid’s classes are free this spring thanks to a grant from Muscatine Charities. The family-favorite, Mini Masters (ages 2 to 7), will continue to be held Wednesdays, 9:30-10:15AM, and Thursdays, 3:30-4:15PM. Each class features story time and two art projects. The theme for March is “Dr Seuss”. Kids will learn about the beloved author and share in his delightful stories. In April, little cowpokes will travel to the Wild West for a rootin’, tootin’ good time. The theme for May is “Animals at Night”. Kids will explore the world at night and “meet” animals that only come out after we’ve gone to bed. No registration required for individuals, but groups of four or more should call one week in advance. There will be no Mini Masters class on Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19.

Kid’s Saturday Workshop (ages 7 to 14) will celebrate a famous birthday and two holidays this spring. On Saturday, March 7, Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr Seuss, is the subject. Students will make a “Seussical”-style animal to mount on your wall. On Saturday, April 4, participants will make and decorate sugar eggs just in time for Easter. On Saturday, May 2, Cinco de Mayo is the topic, and the group will commemorate Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla by making Ojo de Dios weavings. Taught by Julie Lear, Kid’s Saturday Workshops are held once per month from 1:30-2:30PM. Pre-registration is required by the Friday before class.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10AM-5PM, Thursday evenings until 7PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5PM. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure. Please contact Katy, Program Coordinator, with any questions about our upcoming programs at 563-263-8282 or by email at kloos@muscatineiowa.gov.

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