A creative circle of friends living in and around Muscatine, IA, gathered periodically for conversation and to work on their art, casually referring to themselves as “the men who make art.” On display now at the Muscatine Art Center are exhibitions by several of these members: mixed-media artist Cory Christensen and photographer John Deason, and opening on Sept 21, 2023, will be an exhibition by the late artist and printmaker Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti.
Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti was an intaglio printmaker who studied under Virginia Myers and Mauricio Lasansky. He also worked as Lasansky’s personal assistant for over a decade. A selection of Mauricio Lasansky’s portraits from the Muscatine Art Center’s permanent collection will also be on view.
Listen to the conversation here with artist Cory Christiansen and with Muscatine Art Center Director Melanie Alexander, about the legacy that Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti left behind, the deep personal friendships that developed between the local artists, and the transformative effect a creative mentor can have.
The History of the Future, by Cory Christiansen, is up through March 10, 2024. You can also follow him on Instagram.
A Glimpse Through My Lens, photographs by John Deason, will be available for viewing through October 29, 2023.
Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti: The Man Filled with Music is on display from Sept 21, 2023, through February 18, 2024. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, Sept 24, 2023, from 1:30-4:30pm. Live music by Bill Anson & the Mad Creek Mudcats will be performed and is free of charge.
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue. Hours and additional information can be found here.
