MUSCATINE, IOWA (November 16, 2024) — Local and regional artists and crafters are sharing their talents for a good cause this holiday season, and everyone is invited to be part of the fun at the Muscatine Art Center. The Heartfelt and Handmade Ornament Competition has returned this holiday season, and each ornament purchase benefits Friends of the Muscatine Art Center and its mission to support educational programs at the Muscatine Art Center.
All entries for the ornament competition are currently on view in the Muscatine Art Center’s glass showcases near the main entrance. The first opportunity to purchase ornaments is during the Family Festival and Market on Saturday, December 7, 10AM-1PM. Admission to the event is free of charge.
New this year is the Family Festival and Market, where visitors can view and buy ornaments and other holiday items, visit craft and food vendors in the historic Musser Mansion, and have the opportunity to purchase collectibles from the Estate of James (Jim) Burr. For the kids, there are holiday crafts in the studio, pictures with Santa, and a free-will donation hot chocolate bar.
Judging this year’s entries are Mayor Brad Bark, Tony Loconsole, and Tony Kies, Muscatine Police Chief and Interim City Administrator. The judges have awarded first place to the gingerbread house in the shape of the historic Musser-McColm home created by Tammy and Ken Bierman and Kristy Cox (below).
Katie Roquet’s felted pear ornament took second place.
Becky Whitmore’s unique fossil “angel” was awarded third place.
The People’s Choice Award is currently open for voting. All visitors to the Muscatine Art Center are welcome to vote for their favorite entry through December 1.
“We are delighted to host the Ornament Competition again this year,” states Melanie Alexander, Director of the Muscatine Art Center. “The creativity of the returning crafters and the new crafters is truly exceptional. Visitors will want to check out all of the entries before December 7 when sales begin.”
Each hand-made ornament is available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. After the Family Festival and Market on December 7, the general public can purchase the remaining ornaments. Sponsors for the 2024 Heartfelt and Handmade Ornament Competition are SSAB, HNI Corporation, and Kay L Chapman CPA PC.
The Muscatine Art Center is open Tuesday through Friday, 10AM-5PM; Thursdays, 10AM-7PM; and Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5PM.
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa.
Call 563-263-8282 for up-to-date details or visit muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events.
