News Flash

MUSCATINE, Iowa - The Friends of the Japanese Garden and Friends of the Muscatine Art Center invite the public to a brand-new event, “For the Love of the Garden”, taking place from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Muscatine Art Center. The free drop-in event is the perfect afternoon escape for the entire family. Garden and flower lovers, live music fans, art enthusiasts, families with children, and those shopping for unique gifts will all find something to appreciate at this special event.

“For the Love of the Garden” is intended to encourage the community to visit the Japanese Garden that underwent a full rehabilitation in 2023 and was recognized with an Iowa “Preservation at its Best” award in June 2024. The Friends of the Japanese Garden was formed as a volunteer group and have contributed countless hours to the care and upkeep of this peaceful oasis since its first work day in April 2024.

“We hope ‘For the Love of the Garden’ becomes an annual event,” Melanie Alexander, Muscatine Art Center Director said. “It is a labor of love for the Japanese Garden volunteers to work in the garden each week, and I believe many in the community have fallen under the spell of the garden.”

In addition to showcasing the beauty of the garden, the event also serves as a fundraiser to support the ongoing maintenance of the garden. Donations will be accepted during the event to help fund items such as mulch, garden tools, and the replacement of plants as needed. Guests can enjoy complimentary beverages from a free-will donation station providing coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and lemonade. 

Event Highlights:

• Enjoy the music of the Mad Creek Mudcats from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the “Prayer of Peace” courtyard.
• While exploring the Japanese Garden, participants will discover a few painters capturing the look and feel of the garden on canvas. Artist Kimble Bromley is the featured plein air painter. Bromley exhibited at the Muscatine Art Center in 2018 and taught art at North Dakota State University. His recent works include paintings of Claude Monet's pond in Giverny, France, as well as paintings of his own pond. Muscatine-based artists will complete plein air paintings of their own during the Annual Ice Cream Social at the end of June.
• In the studio, children can complete several garden and flower themed projects. Instructors will guide families through the steps to create floral wreaths, tissue paper flowers, spinart flowers, and handprint flowers. Craft projects are offered free of charge and are appropriate for a wide-range of ages. 
• Several vendors and organization booths will be set up. Participants are encouraged to browse beautiful bird and flower paintings, items crafted from natural materials, live plants for sale, and other handmade items. 
• Baked goods and other refreshments offered by The Rendezvous will be available for purchase.

Volunteers work in the garden most Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon, weather dependent. Anyone interested in learning more about how to get involved can contact the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282. For those who care about the garden but are not able to physically contribute, there is an endowment fund for “Friends of the Japanese Garden” held at the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. 

About the Muscatine Art Center: The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, Iowa. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday extended hours until 7 p.m.; and Saturday–Sunday, 1–5 p.m. For more information, visit www.muscatineartcenter.org or call 563-263-8282.