I wish I could have had someone capture the look on my face when I walked into the Muscatine Art Center a week ago. It was Saturday morning, and I was with my mom, Sheila, and my three kids, Henry, Ted, and Lucy. By that point, I had heard about their new exhibit “Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with Lego bricks” and that I wanted to check it out. What surprised me was how much I loved every single minute of it!

I may have assumed (and yes, I know that I shouldn’t) that the exhibit was for kids only or at least geared towards kids. While yes, some of it is, that exhibit is stunning. Sean Kenney has created works of art from these Lego bricks. You know, the same Lego’s you’ve probably stepped on barefoot! I’m not going to spoil it for you by listing all the creations found at the Art Center, but I will tell you my favorite is on the lower level and is a musical instrument.

My kids enjoyed their time, and my oldest son, Henry, couldn’t believe the number of hours it took to build each piece (the number of hours are listed on the signs). Lucy (who is three years old) wanted to slip behind the ropes and touch things. I had to stop her from trying to grab a piece of the Times Square exhibit, so be sure, if you have young ones like I do, to keep a close eye on them.

We concluded our visit to the Muscatine Art Center by walking through the house. I feel bad that we don’t frequent the art center more, and I am saying in this column that I will change that. Folks, we have an incredible treasure in our backyard in the Muscatine Art Center.

Did you know that they are one of only 1,070 museums nationwide accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM)? That’s a big deal and a fact that I admittedly only recently have learned. I’ve known Melanie Alexander, Katy Loos, and the other staff members (and their fantastic volunteers) for several years now. While I have attended exhibits and events in the past, I don’t think I have fully appreciated just how vast their collection is.

You know what, just stop reading this and go to the Art Center! You won’t regret it! Should you be reading this at a time when they are not open and wish to learn more, visit them online at www.MuscatineArtCenter.org and please search and like their Facebook page. “Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with Lego bricks” is on view until Feb.20, 2022.