MUSCATINE, IOWA (June 17, 2026) — The Friends of the Muscatine Art Center’s Annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, June 28, will feature several special additions this year. The free, family-friendly event will take place 1-4PM and invites the community to celebrate an afternoon of art, music, history, and fun.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors can watch artist Joe Barnard paint portraits in front of the Muscatine Art Center. Art enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to meet artists James Walker Henry and Rich Ankeney, whose work is currently on display on the second floor of the historic Musser-McColm Mansion. Surrealist painter James Walker Henry has created more than 2,000 works exploring social themes through symbolic imagery. Artist and photographer Rich Ankeney creates abstract works inspired by jazz, emphasizing color, rhythm, and dynamic composition.
The Sister Cities 40th Anniversary exhibition is on view between the house and the Stanley Gallery. The anniversary display features proclamations, correspondence, gifts from partnering Sister Cities, and travel souvenirs commemorating four decades of international friendship.
The Muscatine and the Civil War exhibition, located in the Stanley Gallery, includes a visual projection of Muscatine soldier Daniel J Parvin reading excerpts from his letters, giving visitors a glimpse into the realities of camp life during the Civil War. This exhibition feature was originally installed as part of the 2011 Civil War exhibition and was funded through a grant from the Roy J Carver Charitable Trust.
Music lovers can enjoy performances throughout the afternoon, beginning with the Muscatine Civic Chorale singing patriotic selections 1-1:30PM. At 1:45PM, the Burlington Street Bluegrass Band will make its debut at the Art Center. Now in its twentieth year, the band is known for high-energy, acoustic bluegrass music featuring outstanding instrumental solos and vocal harmonies. Chris Foss and the Third Street Jammers will perform beginning at 3:15PM.
Additional activities include courtyard games, building activities with the big blue blocks from Musser Public Library, studio projects for children, art activities hosted by the Muscatine County Arts Council, and — new this year — Steve’s Petting Zoo. Children can also earn a prize by exploring the many activities offered throughout the event.
The Friends of the Muscatine Art Center’s Annual Ice Cream Social has been a local tradition since 1979.
The event raises funds for the Friends organization through the sale of ice cream, desserts, and other refreshments. The organization supports the educational mission of the Muscatine Art Center and helps fund staff positions including the Education Coordinator and Registrar/Curator.
“There is something for everyone at the Ice Cream Social,” states Lynn Bartenhagen, Administrative Specialist. “Expect to see some of your friends and neighbors at the event while also helping raise funds for our educational programs. We welcome both first-time visitors and frequent guests, but it is especially rewarding to hear from those returning after several years away. They often notice changes such as the rehabilitation of the Japanese Garden, the exhibitions, and the impressive collections we have on view.”
The Family Bike Ride is free and begins at 1 p.m. at the Charles and Jean Harper Pavilion on Houser Street, with a stop at the Muscatine Art Center. The ride is organized by the Melon City Bike Club and Harper’s Cycle and Fitness. As always, participants in the family-friendly bike ride will receive a token for a free ice cream during the event.
Admission to the Ice Cream Social is free. In addition to ice cream, the Friends organization will offer slices of pie, brownies, cookies, and other sweet treats for purchase. Be sure to stop by our table and learn how you can help support the Muscatine Art Center by becoming a member of Friends.
· 1:00 — Petting Zoo
· 1:00 — Family Bike Ride on Houser Street
· 1:00 — Muscatine Civic Chorale
· 1:45 — Burlington Street Blue Grass Band
· 3:15 — Chris Foss and the Third Street Jammers
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. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. For more information about programs and events, or to download a quarterly newsletter, visit www.muscatineartcenter.org.
