The Muscatine Art Center, LULAC Muscatine, and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security are collaborating to offer an evening of dancing, music, and more from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, at the Muscatine Art Center.
The West Liberty student group, Los Cometas Mariachi, will begin the evening at 5:15 p.m. The group was founded in January 2021 under the direction of Ashley Smith, director of bands at West Liberty High School, with funding from the Racial Justice Fund awarded by the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. The mission of Los Cometas Mariachi is “Empowering youth, building community, and teaching culture through authentic music education.” The group’s first public performance was in May 2021 and they have since performed in a variety of venues.
Students from Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico (QCBF) will share the Mexican culture through the art form of dance during a one-hour performance beginning at 5:30 p.m. The QCBF consists of about 80 students ranging in ages from four- to 18-years-old. Since its founding in 1984, the group has performed at a variety of events such as local fiestas, art festivals, and school functions.
In addition to the performances, several crafts will be available including a Luchadores paper mask activity led by artist Miriam Alarcon Avila and a mini piñata craft presented by the Muscatine Art Center. Two student groups, West Liberty Latinos Americanos 4-H and Muscatine UNIDOS 4-H, will provide activities for children and families. Muscatine Community College LULAC will sell desserts.
Attendees will receive tickets for two free tacos catered by Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant.
The performance is free of charge thanks to a grant from the Mary Jo & Richard H. Stanley Human Conditions Grant through the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine.
The performances will be held on the grounds of the Muscatine Art Center, and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the performances and activities will be moved indoors to the Muscatine Art Center’s Music Room and studio.
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.
Original source can be found here.
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