MUSCATINE, Iowa — The Friends of the Muscatine Art Center will be making a special delivery after their fifth annual Festival of Wreaths Grand Gala Finale Party on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Muscatine Art Center. In addition to being the proud owner of a decorated Christmas tree, one lucky auction winner will receive an added bonus.

“Because it’s the fifth anniversary this year, we have a couple of larger trees, and one of the larger trees, we will actually set up in the home of the person who successfully wins the silent auction,” said Kristin McHugh-Johnston, president of the Friends board. “It’s kind of a customized service which we thought would be a nice little bonus.”

The kickoff for the annual event will be held the weekend before the gala, when area children are invited to spend “Sunday with Santa.” For the second year in a row, the Friends have planned an afternoon of stories, art projects and refreshments from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. The event is free, and photos with Santa will be available for a minimal charge.

“We really wanted to do an event where we could give back to the community and to really support children’s arts. To have children participate is really important to us,” McHugh-Johnston said.

Then, beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Stanley Gallery will be aglow with an array of wreaths, trees, door swags, garlands, table settings, centerpieces and more, which will be on exhibit, free to the public, during regular museum hours.

Besides the many items that have been donated by businesses and individuals, McHugh-Johnston said that Friends members have been working together since July to craft additional decorative pieces. She added that Friends board member Nancy Flood has been instrumental in the creative process for this year’s Festival, and Nancy Huddle-ston, also a board member, is coordinating the event.

People can bid throughout the week on the auction items while they are on display at the Art Center, before the gala.

The week-long festival will culminate in the Grand Gala Finale Party on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and are available at the Muscatine Art Center and the Muscatine Hy-Vee store. The admission price includes a ticket for one glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres, punch and a chance to win one of several door prizes.

Throughout the evening guests may participate in a silent auction and can also purchase handcrafted ornaments and gift items. Live entertainment will be provided by Wesley Winds, The Muscatine Community College Variety Singers and Three Guys with Soule.

Sponsors for the 2009 Festival include HNI, Hy-Vee, MUSCO Lighting, Central State Bank, Community Bank, First National Bank, River’s Edge Gallery, Stanley Consultants and Bridgestone Bandag.

“We’re excited to continue the tradition for the fifth year. And of course all the proceeds do benefit the Art Center’s education programs. It’s really important that we continue to support the arts,” McHugh-Johnston said. “We bus in students to come through for exhibits and we help pay the salaries of the education coordinators, and that’s really what we’re funding with this. It is our largest fundraiser of the year.”

Sunday with santa

What: Sunday with Santa children’s event

When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Muscatine Art Center Stanley Gallery, 1314 Mulberry Ave.

Cost: Free admission

Festival

What: 2009 Muscatine Festival of Wreaths Grand Gala Finale Party

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Muscatine Art Center Stanley Gallery, 1314 Mulberry Ave.

Tickets: $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Available at the Art Center or at the Muscatine Hy-Vee store.

All proceeds benefit the Art Center’s education programs including hundreds of art classes, outreach programs, guided exhibition tours and special events.

The Festival of Wreaths exhibit may be viewed at the Art Center, free of charge, from Tuesday, Nov. 17 through Saturday, Nov. 21 during regular museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; and 1-5 p.m. Saturday.

For more information call the Musca-tine Art Center at 563-263-8282.