This summer, experience imagination, problem solving and creative thinking through the art of play at the i.d.e.a. Museum. The '"Artful Play! Games & Toys" exhibition features art and hands-on activities that explore the process of developing and designing toys and games. The exhibition opens June 15.
"Games and toys open the door to great together time and conversation. They also introduce us to world cultures, teach us strategy and sportsmanship, and a whole lot more," said i.d.e.a. Museum Executive Director Sunnee O'Rork. "These lessons from playthings are both fun and relevant, and play keeps young brains engaged over summer break."
Additionally, the exhibition focuses on the importance of play beyond childhood and encourages active play, with several opportunities to play together. Planned activities for children of all ages include:
Creating a virtual pinball game
Designing paper planes and test launching on target
Exploring games popular around the world
Building on a giant wall structure
Competing in a racing game
Playing life-size games, including charades on stage
The exhibition - which runs through Sept. 9 - is sponsored by the i.d.e.a. Museum Board of Directors Inc., the City of Mesa and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, which receives support from the state of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Other financial contributions come from the Gila River Indian Community, Season for Sharing and The Steele Foundation.
The Gila River Indian Community and Season for Sharing support the museum's Access for All fund, which helps pay for programs such as school field trips and free days at the museum. The Steele Foundation continues to provide funding for the Artful Tales Experience, an art and literacy program designed for children ages 2 to 5.
Artworks featured include paintings, sculptures, photographs and other artworks that depict the importance of toys and games through the ages. Artists - from Arizona and across the United States - will be announced soon.
Contact: Yvette Armendariz
Marketing and Public Relations Director
480.644.4129 W
yvette.armendariz@mesaaz.gov