MUSCATINE, IOWA (September 15, 2026) — More than fifteen cultural organizations have united as the Muscatine Cultural Alliance. Dedicated to the performing and visual arts, placemaking, and our local history, the organizations will join together to hold the “Cultural Alliance Celebration: Volunteer Recognition and Fundraiser” on Thursday, October 15. The celebration will take place at the National Pearl Button Museum 5-7:30PM. Doors open at 4:30PM.
“This event is a celebration of the people and organizations that make Muscatine such a vibrant place to live, create, and connect,” said Jim Elias, Chair of the Muscatine Cultural Alliance.
The keynote speaker is Kelly Lao, Director of the Muscatine Art Center. The celebration will include a selection of hors d'œuvre, a cash bar, live music, and a silent auction. The winner of the 2026 Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiatives Award will be announced during the event. The award honors the legacy of Shirley Jean Drake and her spirit of volunteerism, Elias explained. While this annual award recognizes the efforts of an individual volunteer, it is “a testament to all volunteers who give their time, talent, and heart to our community,” he added.
The organizations that make up the Muscatine Cultural Alliance are the Alexander Clark Foundation, Friends of Fairport Fish Hatchery, Friends of Muscatine Art Center, Friends of Musser Public Library, Friends of Old Barn, Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill, Jackson Concert Series, Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine Civic Chorale, Muscatine County Arts Council, Muscatine County Conservation, Muscatine County Genealogical Society, Muscatine History and Industry Center/National Pearl Button Museum, Muscatine Sister Cities, Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, Pearl City Players, and the Public Art Advisory Commission.
These organizations offer a variety of engaging and enriching events and programs to local residents and visitors to our community. The Cultural Alliance Celebration will support future collaborations while raising funds for the participating organizations. Equally important, the event is intended to spark an interest in volunteer participation, membership, and engagement in programs and other offerings.
Individual tickets for the event are $40. Advance reservations are required. Purchase tickets by mail or in person at Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, 215 W Mississippi Drive, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761 or in person at the National Pearl Button Museum, 117 W 2nd Street, Muscatine.
