The approach of Fall means that the weather will soon turn colder and the leaves will begin to change colors. Following fall tradition, and with the spirit of the fall holidays in mind, many local residents will be busy creating scarecrows and Jack-O-Lanterns to decorate their homes.
The Muscatine Art Center will welcome in the fall season by inviting families, artists, crafters, and students to participate in the Scarecrow & Jack-O-Lantern Competitions this October and help decorate the Art Center lawn.
“After the success of last year’s competition, we wanted to offer the family friendly event as a way to get creative and celebrate fall,” Muscatine Art Center Director Melanie Alexander said. “New this year is the addition of the Expressive Spirit sculpture by David Zahn and the landscape improvements, making the backdrop of the event even more appealing.”
To participate in this year’s Scarecrow & Jack-O-Lantern competition, contact the Muscatine Art Center for an entry form or visit the “Get Involved- Artists” section on muscatineartcenter.org to print the form.
PVC forms for the scarecrows will be provided, and pumpkins will be available to create hand-carved (or painted) Jack-O-Lanterns.
Competition entries will be exhibited at the Muscatine Art Center from Thursday, October 28, through Sunday, October 31. The public will be able to vote for the best scarecrow and the best Jack-o-Lantern both online and in person. Cash prizes will be awarded for those winning the popular vote. The scarecrows will be on display on the side lawn of the Muscatine Art Center behind the newly installed Expressive Spirit sculpture. The Jack-O-Lanterns will be displayed in the Muscatine Art Center’s courtyard.
“There are so many creative individuals and families in our community,” Muscatine Art Center Program Coordinator Katy Loos said. “Last year it was so fun to see all the imaginative entries, so we’re excited about the competition this year and hope more families and artists will join.”
Please submit entry forms no later than September 21 to be included in this year’s Scarecrow & Jack-O-Lantern Competitions. Contact Katy at kloos@muscatineartcenter.org to request an entry form, visit our website muscatineartcenter.org to download one, or stop in to the Muscatine Art Center, 1314 Mulberry Avenue, to pick one up.
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a quarterly newsletter.
