This fall, science and art collide at the i.d.e.a. Museum during "Far Out: Our Solar System." The exhibition, opening Friday, Sept. 28, features art and hands-on activities that explore planets and other wonders of outer space.
"It's fitting that we are looking to the skies during NASA's 60th year. Children and adults love to imagine what it's like to travel into space," said i.d.e.a. Museum Executive Director Sunnee O'Rork. "They'll experience our space frontier through the lens of talented artists, and then learn more through activities that build on their natural curiosity."
Through art and interactives, visitors will explore what is known about each of the planets and their moons, as well as the comets, asteroids and minor planets that inhabit our solar system. Planned activities for children of all ages include:
oBlasting off into the solar system with the space travel simulator
oUsing a "Passport" to explore the solar system and learn facts about each planet
oLearning how much weight varies on different planets
oExploring Area 51 (updated Black Light Room)
oBuilding prototypes of space crafts
oObserving meteorites on display
The exhibition - which runs through Jan. 20, 2019 - is sponsored by POGO Pass, 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, Wells Fargo Foundation and The Steele Foundation.
The Gila River Indian Community, Season for Sharing and Wells Fargo Foundation 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.
The exhibition features 36 artworks by 16 artists from the United States and Australia. Works include paintings, photographs, quilts, wood sculpture, video, digital collages and a site-specific installation. In addition, items are on display from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University.
Contact: Yvette Armendariz
Museum Public Relations & Marketing
Yvette.Armendariz@MesaAZ.gov
(480) 644-4129