Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

The Stanley presents a Pay What You Can screening of the independent film, Chameleon Street, in collaboration with FilmScene. Arrive at 6:15pm for a pre-screening meal and stay after for a post-screening discussion.

Reserve your tickets here.

This programming is related the exhibition, Flex: Masculinities in the Arts of Global Africa, on view at the Stanley from February 28, 2026 - July 26, 2026.

CHAMELEON STREET
(1989, Comedy, Drama, 94 min) Dir. Wendell B. Harris Jr.
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize...

Once a month, the Stanley hosts events designed to introduce the museum to University of Iowa students through engaging and creative activities. Nights at the Museum events occur on Thursday nights when the museum is open late. These events are planned and developed with the assistance of the Campus Engagement Coordinator, a student employee who works with museum staff to engage student audiences. Information about past Nights at the Museum can be found here. Attending student events also...

Need a break at the end of the week? Swing by the Stanley on Friday afternoons for Crafternoons. Bring whatever low-mess craft you're currently working on (a sketchbook, knitting, embroidery, coloring books, origami — whatever you're into!) or just show up and use some of the various supplies we'll have on hand. No experience required! Light snacks provided. Stay for five minutes or hang out for a while, it's up to you.

Join the Cross Stitch and Embroidery Club for an immersive stitching session right in the heart of the galleries. Explore the 220-foot hand-embroidered narrative of the exhibition The Black Gold Tapestry as you witness the meticulous process behind the medium.

Visitors are invited to contribute and leave their mark on this collaborative community embroidery project led by the club’s executive board. All skill levels are welcome, no experience is required, and all supplies are provided. Come add...

Canadian artist, filmmaker, and environmentalist Sandra Sawatzky will be in Iowa City to speak about her monumental 220-foot, hand-embroidered narrative, The Black Gold Tapestry, currently on view at the Stanley Museum of Art.

Sawatzky will share details of the nine-year process behind the creation this intricate masterpiece that traces the global history of oil.

Need a break at the end of the week? Swing by the Stanley on Friday afternoons for Crafternoons. Bring whatever low-mess craft you're currently working on (a sketchbook, knitting, embroidery, coloring books, origami — whatever you're into!) or just show up and use some of the various supplies we'll have on hand. No experience required! Light snacks provided. Stay for five minutes or hang out for a while, it's up to you.

The Drawing Salon focuses on drawing artworks from the museum's collection. Each session will focus on a different artwork. The sessions will begin with an introduction and discussion of the selected work. Participants will be encouraged to pursue their own visions and to take inspiration from the artworks in the gallery.

Pencils and sketchbooks/paper are the only artmaking materials allowed in the galleries. The museum has golf pencils with erasers and clipboards for participants to use. Stools...

Need a break at the end of the week? Swing by the Stanley on Friday afternoons for Crafternoons. Bring whatever low-mess craft you're currently working on (a sketchbook, knitting, embroidery, coloring books, origami — whatever you're into!) or just show up and use some of the various supplies we'll have on hand. No experience required! Light snacks provided. Stay for five minutes or hang out for a while, it's up to you.

Spring is in full bloom in Mother Earth's garden and at the Stanley! Stop by the museum on your day off from school and bring your unique vision to life using a variety of spring themed crafts.

Space is limited; please reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/schools-out-at-the-stanley-spring-has-sprung/3114203

Please arrive in time for children to settle in and begin the project at 2 p.m.

School's Out at the Stanley is offered on days when Iowa City Community Schools District has no...