What's Happening at the Virginia Discovery Museum?

Exciting Programs and Events this Fall!

2011-09-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Do your children want to create some art, explore the wonders of science, exercise your body, learn a new language, or act out your favorite character? Bring them to the museum for one of our many weekly Drop-In programs at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Check out our website or our bi-monthly newsletter to view the times and dates of all of these exciting programs.

Starting this week, the museum brings back seasonal favorite Drop-In programs, which require no registration and feature new educational projects each week for the kids – hearing exciting stories, creating art, and exploring the depths of science and nature.

On Tuesdays, we have “Tuesday Travelers” at 10:30am. This delightful program takes children ages 3 & up on an adventure to a new country each week. Kids will fill their passports with stamps as they journey around the world learning about different languages, music, art, dance, and geography. Later in the afternoon, kids can stretch their imaginations creating rhymes, haikus, and sonnets in “Poetry Club”, which is every Tuesday at 4pm. Established for kids ages 5 & up, this program encourages kids to discover their unique voice and learn the basics of writing poetry.

Longtime favorite, “Toddler Time,” comes back on Wednesdays at 10:30am. This program, which is for children ages 6 & under, presents the little ones with the opportunities to create a work of art while learning how to act in a classroom setting. Each week will bring a new fun activity and craft – allowing visitors to go home with a new masterpiece for their walls and refrigerators back home. On Thursdays, kids ages 4 & up can join our “Science Club” at 4pm to learn about chemistry, biology, zoology, and physics through hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and projects. This exciting program will also bring a special guest you won’t want to miss to the museum every second Thursday of each month.

Speaking of special guests, on September 8^th and October 6^th at 10:30am, visitors to the museum will be treated to a special story time lead by a featured guest. The mornings will include a story along with a fun activity. Help you kids get excited about books by bringing them to these special story times where there will also be free book giveaways.

Along with our exciting Drop-In Programs, the Virginia Discovery Museum also has several special pre-register programs and events happening this fall. On Monday, October 10^th from 9am-12pm, the museum is hosting a Teacher Workday Program for kids ages 4-8. Themed “Hometown History,” this drop-off program will explore the heritage of Virginia with a focus on the museum’s very own Showalter log cabin. Kids will spend time playing in the Virginia Frontier area and learn about what life was like for the Showalters. They will make crafts relating to Virginia history, dress up in costumes, play games that the Showalters might have played, and enjoy a frontier-themed snack. Register soon for this fun educational program, which is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

On October 28^th, the museum will be hosting our annual Halloween Party from 6-7:30pm. Register now and come dressed in your best costume! This event, for children ages 2-7 with an adult, is $6 for members and $8 for non-members (prices are person). For one night only, the VDM staff will transform the museum into a kooky not-so-ahunted house for little ones and their accompanying adults to enjoy. Kids will enjoy fun Halloween games and snacks as they watch a wacky witch brew up eerie concoctions. They can visit the creepy bat cave, decorate their own Halloween cookies. Don’t miss out on the best night of the year!

Register for these special programs soon as space is limited and don’t forget about Date Nights on First Fridays from 5:30-8:00pm. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids revel in an evening of activities, dinner, and lots of free time to play in the museum.

The fall season aims to be a busy one for the Virginia Discovery Museum, but we hope it will also be a success. We are eager to see the kids participate in the weekly programs and we welcome any feedback from our visitors. Please contact us anytime for information and questions. We wish everyone a happy fall and hope to see you for the programs. Stay tuned for updates on the new exhibit renovations in the Front Gallery and for NASA’s Driven to Explore on September 27^th and 28^th.

NASA's Driven to Explore

2011-08-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Mobile Exhibit Coming to the Downtown Mall
Tuesday, September 27 &
Wednesday, September 28
All ages with adult
Free with admission to museum

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn about space exploration right here on the Downtown Mall! For two days in September, the Virginia Discovery Museum will host NASA’s Driven to Explore, a mobile, multi-media exhibit that immerses visitors in the story of NASA. Visitors will learn how and why we explore space, discover the challenges of human space exploration, and learn how NASA’s technology is used to improve life on Earth. The exhibit includes audio and visual technology to connect visitors with the space program. It highlights the research that will ensure safe and sustainable future missions and the vehicles and systems used to expand space exploration.

As part of this unique exploration experience, visitors will have an out-of-this-world opportunity to touch a 3 billion-year-old moon rock brought back aboard Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the Moon in 1972. The moon rock is one of only eight lunar samples in the world available for the public to touch.

The Driven to Explore mobile exhibit includes a large inflatable tent that will be stationed near the Virginia Discovery Museum on the East End of the Downtown Mall. The exhibit appeals to visitors of all ages. Entrance to the exhibit is free with admission or membership to VDM. Visit with your family or school group and learn about space exploration from the experts at NASA. Mark your calendars!

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Concert!

2011-08-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds will perform on August 20 at the ntelos Wireless Pavilion. This concert also presents a unique opportunity to support the Virginia Discovery Museum as proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to charities or community organizations chosen by concert attendees through JustGive.org.

Tickets for the show go on sale to the general public at 10 am on August 5 at www.theinteloswirelesspavilion.com. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to charities and community organizations selected by ticket purchasers at www.justgive.org/charlottesville.

Come check out out this amazing concert and choose the Virginia Discovery Museum as your community organization to support!

Come check out

2011-07-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Kid*Vention
Saturday, August 6
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
at Charlottesville High School
All Ages with Adult
Free!

Kid*Vention is the Museum's free science-based, family-oriented, fun-filled festival. This year, kids and their families can take a trip down the Rivann River and learn what we-re doing to protect it, enjoy a planetarium show and fun astronomy activities, make their own mini wind turbines and watch them spin, see sunspots though a solar telec scope, play in a giant tub of oobleck, test the strength of some tiny materials, and much more. You will see plenty of hands-on activities, crafts, and games.
Sponosored by the WVPT, the City of Charlottesville, and Lite Rock Z95.1.

Don't forget to register for this exciting summer camp!

2011-06-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Magic & Memories Summer Camp
June 20 – 23, 9am-12pm
Ages 4-7
Members: $115, Non-Members $140

VDM is busy gearing up for our first summer camp of the year. Check it out!

Explore the unique adventures and illustrations from Caldecott Medal-winning books new and old! Learn about different art techniques and create some magic and memories of your own! Come fly with frogs on a magical escape into the night, be transformed from a mouse to a tiger, find out what happened to the girl who loved wild horses, and break out of the zoo with some of your wild friends to visit their favorite sick zookeeper. We’ll celebrate these and other works of literature and art with games, puzzles, crafts, and more! Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara or Maggie to register, or email us at vdmprograms@vadm.org or gallerymanager@vadm.org!

New Art Exhibition at the Virginia Discovery Museum - Our Photographer for the Discovery Dash

2011-05-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Love and Life"

A Collection of Photography at the Virginia Discovery Museum

May 5 - June 13, 2011

Amy Benoit is an on-location, natural & studio light lifestyle photographer in Charlottesville, VA and the surrounding areas. Her favorite subjects are expecting mamas, the tiniest of babies, and children of all ages. Photography has long been a passion for her and she strives to capture the beauty of love and life in her images.

Amy lives in Charlottesville with her boyfriend of 10+ years, their one year old son, and two dogs. Check out her website at www.sweet-pea-photo.com.

See Amy at work at the Virginia Discovery Museum’s
21st Annual Discovery Dash on May 28th.

Come Celebrate Mother's Day with our Special Mother's Day Programs

2011-05-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Date Night Drop-Off - Mother's Day Edition
Friday, May 6th, 5:30-8pm
Ages 3-8
$20 Members / $25 Non-Members (sibling discount $5)
Drop off the kids and have a special Mother's Day evening out this Friday with our Date Night Drop-Off Program! Kids will be treated to special Mother's Day activities and crafts this week! This pre-registration drop-off program includes a craft, games, cheese pizza and carrot sticks, fruit juice, and lots of free time to play in the Museum! There is a cancellation fee of $10 after 12pm on the day before registered program and no refund for same-day cancellation. Space is limited, so sign up today. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Maggie or Sara to register, or email us at gallerymanager@vadm.org or vdmprograms@vadm.org!

Little Chefs - Happy Mother's Day!

May 7 - Little Bites (Snacks & Appetizers)

May 14 - Delectable Desserts (Nut-Free Day)

May 21 - Kids' Favorites

10am-11:30am

Ages 4-8 with adult

Price per class: $10 Members / $13 Non-Members
Bring your little ones and create tasty snacks and delicious meals together! Your kids will learn about kitchen safety and build their cooking skills in a fun, safe environment. Space is limited, so sign up today. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara or Maggie to register, or email us at vdmprograms@vadm.org or gallerymanager@vadm.org!

Spring Flowers! - Flower Arranging Class

Saturday, May 7, 2:30-3:30

Ages 4-8 with adult

$15 Members / $18 Non-Members
A treat right before Mother's Day! Bring your little ones and make a beautiful flower arrangement together. Learn the ins and outs offlower arranging and create something special for Mom this year. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara or Maggie to register, or emailus at vdmprograms@vadm.org or gallerymanager@vadm.org!

Alternative Energy Day!

2011-04-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Alternative Energy Day
Saturday, April 23rd
All Ages with Adult
Free with Admission or Membership

Celebrate Earth Day with VDM at our Alternative Energy Day co-sponsored by JMU's Virginia Center for Wind Energy. It'll be a fun-filled day for the whole family to enjoy. Check out hands-on demos from local environmental organizations and learn more about the newest breakthroughs in solar and wind energy technology! Come for a reading of Wind the World Over by author Irene Boland at 10:30am and then travel around the world to learn about wind energy. We'll have stations on model wind turbines, making pinwheels, a wind riddle, making wind pennants, and understanding scale by measung tall objects. Please contact Sara at 977-1025 x 9 or vdmprograms@vadm.org with any questions.

Race for Autism - a Triple Crown Event

2011-04-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

UVa Marching Band Extravaganza!

2011-04-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Come see the new exhibit at the Virginia Discovery Museum!

2011-04-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Join us for Tuesday Travelers!

2011-03-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Great news for young explorers: Tuesday Travelers, a favorite of visitors and staff alike, returns to VDM beginning Tuesday, March 29! This fun and educational program is great for ages 4 & up and is free with admission. Each Tuesday at 11:00, we’ll learn about the language, music, art, dance, geography and cuisine of a different country. We’ll also do a fun activity or make a craft. Come every week and fill up your Tuesday Travelers Passport with stamps!

What: Tuesday Travelers drop-in program, free with admission

When: Tuesdays at 11:00

Who: Young explorers and their accompanying adults

Where: The journey begins at VDM!

Kids in the Kitchen

2011-03-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

VDM will be hosting a table at the Junior League of Charlottesville'sKids in the Kitchen!

We've got tons of fun planned, so stop by ourtable to create healthy food crafts.

The Junior League of Charlottesville's Kids in the Kitchen event willtake place on March 19, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the AlbemarleHigh School cafeteria.

Join us for a day of cooking, hands-on activities, fitnessdemonstrations and health education as part of our internationalchildhood obesity and nutrition education initiative.Sponsored by the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI),the event will incorporate Pilates for kids, smoothie-making and manymore fun and inspirational activities for kids. Event sponsorsinclude ACAC, UVA Health Systems and Blue Ridge Eco Shop. Allchildren and parents are invited to attend free of charge.

http://www.jlcville.org/?nd=kids_in_the_kitchen)

Festival of the Book

2011-03-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

VDM has tons of FotB fun for your family!

The Cat in the Hat
Tuesday, March 15 - Sunday, March 20
Wednesday, March 16 at 3:30 is a special program with Bly Brown

For all ages with adult

WVPT is bringing the fabulous Cat in the Hat to Hooville for a visit during the Virginia Festival of the Book. Starting Tuesday, March 15 and continuing all week long, the Virginia Discovery Museum will feature Cat in the Hat activities and crafts! The highlight of the week is sure to be a fun storytime with Bly Brown, followed by some crafts, on Wednesday, March 16th at 3:30pm. The Cat in the Hat will also visit the Downtown Mall on Saturday, March 19th, at 9:30 am. Children and parents will merrily parade with the Cat in the Hat to the Paramount Theater where, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on the giant screen, two episodes of the new PBS series, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, will be shown. Come out and be a part of the fun!

Kaleela Thompson Presents

Oh Where, Oh Where is My Swallowtail?

Friday, March 18th

4:00-4:30pm

For all ages with adult

Young author Kaleela Thompson visits VDM to share her new book. Come and enjoy a short presentation on butterflies while you hear Kaleela's story!

Mara Rockliff's The Busiest Street in Town
Saturday, March 19th
1:00-2:00pm

Recommended for ages 5-8, but all ages welcome with adult

Children's author Mara Rockliff comes to VDM to share a new book with us! Her picture book called The Busiest Street in Town is perfect for the Downtown Mall, as it's all about turning a street full of traffic into a place where neighbors meet and children play. She will do an interactive storytime with props, followed by a fun craft activity for the kids.

Owls and snakes and possums…oh, my!
Saturday, March 19th
2:00-3:00pm

For all ages with adult

Get “wild” with WHTJ PBS and the Virginia Discovery Museum as they play host to some of Virginia’s feathered and furry friends as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book, an annual event produced by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. The Wildlife Center of Virginia will be on hand to explain our role in wildlife conservation and environmental protection. The enlightening program includes up-close encounters with live, non-releasable wild animals, who have been given a new lease on life thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Wildlife Center. The first 200 children receive a free wildlife-themed book.

The Cat in the Hat

2011-03-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 15 - Sunday, March 20
Wednesday, March 16 at 3:30 is a special program with Bly Brown

WVPT is bringing the fabulous Cat in the Hat to Hooville for a visit during the Virginia Festival of the Book. Starting Tuesday, March 15 and continuing all week long, the Virginia Discovery Museum will feature Cat in the Hat activities and crafts! The highlight of the week is sure to be a fun storytime with Bly Brown, followed by some crafts, on Wednesday, March 16th at 3:30pm. The Cat in the Hat will also visit the Downtown Mall on Saturday, March 19th, at 9:30 am. Children and parents will merrily parade with the Cat in the Hat to the Paramount Theater where, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on the giant screen, two episodes of the new PBS series, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, will be shown. Come out and be a part of the fun!

COME JOIN IN SOME HEALTHY FAMILY FUN THIS SPRING!

2011-03-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Kid's Triple Crown is a series of three races just for kids. To qualify for a prestigious Triple Crown medal, runners must cross the finish line for a minimum of one event at each of the three individual Triple Crown races. Sportsmanship rules apply at all of the events. The awards ceremony will be held in June, so get ready!

Run for Autism
Hosted by the Virginia Institute of Autism • Saturday, April 16th • Charlottesville High School Register at http://www.viaschool.org/

Family Fitness Fair
Hosted by the Charlottesville Day School • Sunday, May 1st • Panorama Farms
Register at http://www.charlottesvilledayaschool.org/

Discovery Dash
Hosted by the Virginia Discovery Museum • Saturday, May 28th • Monticello High School
Register at http://www.vadm.org/

For more information please visit www.raggedmountainrunning.com.

New Summer Camps at the Virginia Discovery Museum!

2011-03-04T12:48:00.001-08:00

Be sure to register for these camps soon as they fill up fast! Also, be aware of the dates for these camps as we will two weeks without camps in July.

Magic & Memories: Caldecott Medal Winners
-Ages 4-7, June 20th -23rd
Explore the unique adventures and illustrations from Caldecott Medal winners new and old! Come fly with frogs on a magical escape into the night, be transformed from a mouse to a tiger, find out what happened to the girl who loved wild horses, and break out of the zoo with some of your wild friends to visit their favorite sick zookeeper. We’ll celebrate these works of art with games, puzzles, crafts, and more!

South American Adventure
-Ages 4-7, June 27th – June 30th
Learn about the language, cuisine, art, and wildlife of South America! Dance the tango, climb the Andes and sail down the Amazon during this action-packed mini-camp.

Incredible Insects
- Ages 4-7, July 11th – July 14th
Can you dance like a bee or leap like a grasshopper? Find out what makes our tiniest neighbors so special in this camp! We’ll learn how to fly, build, and transform just like the insects we see every day, and we’ll celebrate the weird and fun world right beneath our feet.

Dinosaur Discovery
-Ages 4-7, July 18th – July 21st
Gather your tools and get ready for the big dig! Learn about the T-Rex, Pterodactyl and many more. Find out how fossils give us clues about the world of the dinosaurs.

Ocean Life
-Ages 4-7, August 1st – August 4th
Come explore the ocean and all of its wonderful creatures! Try out awesome activities, crafts, and fun facts as we learn about the ocean and animals like sharks, octopi, and more. Grab your ocean gear and get ready to have fun!

Making Music
-Ages 4-7, August 8th – August 11th
Tune in to this mini-camp to learn about blues, jazz, rock and more. See demonstrations of musical instruments and then make and play some instruments of your own!

Food Fight!
-Ages 4-7, August 15th – August 18th
Grab a pie and get ready to get messy in the kitchen for this summer camp. Make your own recipe box and stock it with all the fun recipes we learn. Discover the science behind your favorite foods and make your own slimy, sticky, greasy and grimy experiments.

*All camps run Monday thru Thursday 9am-12pm
*Camp prices for members are $115/week, and non-members are $140/week

*Cancellation Policy: One week's notice is required for a full refund of all fees minus a $5 Processing Fee. If notification is less than a week before the start of the program, VDM will transfer the fee amount to another Museum purchase of your choice. The VDM reserves the right to cancel programs with insufficient enrollment and will fully refund fees from those programs.

A New Art Exhibit in the Program Room Art Gallery

2011-03-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

"Creatures"
By Paul Loukides

An original art
exhibition at the
Virginia Discovery
Museum.
March 1 - April 11, 2011

It’s my belief that too many artists have forgotten the relationship of art to play. If, as many have observed, play is the work that children do, then we should recognize that art is the play that adults do.
This series of prints began with wanting to create six prints of creatures for a new granddaughter. I had no idea what the creatures would look like, but I knew they shouldn’t be simply cute and cuddly (no kittens or bunnies or puppies) and they shouldn’t be too frightening or menacing (no aliens, satanic figures or grotesques); somewhere between those extremes, imaginary creatures waited. As it turned out, there were more than six. Once I had done the first six, the creatures demanded to be expressed in clay; once I started making clay creatures new creatures appeared, the new creatures insisted on their own woodblock prints. Somewhere along the line, one of the creatures became a painting (since gone to a good home) and I accepted the idea that I would be doing creature prints/sculptures/paintings until they were no longer play.
- Paul Loukides

Fun Spring Events You Won't Want to Miss!!!

2011-02-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check all of them out!

The Cat in the Hat
Tuesday, March 15 - Sunday, March 20
Wednesday, March 16 at 3:30 is a special program with Bly Brown

WVPT is bringing the fabulous Cat in the Hat to Hooville for a visit during the Virginia Festival of the Book. Starting Tuesday, March 15 and continuing all week long, the Virginia Discovery Museum will feature Cat in the Hat activities and crafts! The highlight of the week is sure to be a fun storytime with Bly Brown, followed by some crafts, on Wednesday, March 16th at 3:30pm. The Cat in the Hat will also visit the Downtown Mall on Saturday, March 19th, at 9:30 am. Children and parents will merrily parade with the Cat in the Hat to the Paramount Theater where, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on the giant screen, two episodes of the new PBS series, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, will be shown. Come out and be a part of the fun!

Mara Rockliff's The Busiest Street in Town
Saturday, March 19th
1:00-2:00pm

Children's author Mara Rockliff comes to VDM to share a new book with us! Her picture book called The Busiest Street in Town is perfect for the Downtown Mall, as it's all about turning a street full of traffic into a place where neighbors meet and children play. She will do an interactive storytime with props, followed by a fun craft activity for the kids.

Owls and snakes and possums…oh, my!
Saturday, March 19th
2:00-3:00pm

Get “wild” with WHTJ PBS and the Virginia Discovery Museum as they play host to some of Virginia’s feathered and furry friends as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book, an annual event produced by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. The Wildlife Center of Virginia will be on hand to explain our role in wildlife conservation and environmental protection. The enlightening program includes up-close encounters with live, non-releasable wild animals, who have been given a new lease on life thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Wildlife Center. The first 200 children receive a free wildlife-themed book.

The Tibetan Way Closing Ceremony
Friday, March 25
3:30-4:30
All ages with adult

Join Tsetan Chonjore for an afternoon of Tibetan music and dancing to celebrate the Closing Ceremony for The Tibetan Way exhibit. He will be bringing many different Tibetan instruments and perform traditional Tibetan dances.

Kid*Vention 2011: Discover Sky & Space has moved to a new date:

Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 9am-3pm, location TBA.

This year’s Kid*Vention is all about taking time to look up and explore what’s above our heads! Learn about birds and bats, planes and rockets, comets and more through hands-on activities, crafts and games. Sponsored by the Virginia Discovery Museum, WVPT, the City of Charlottesville, and Lite Rock Z95.1, this is one event your family won’t want to miss!

Fun New Spring Classes!

2011-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Be sure to register today for all of these exciting new classes.

YogaDoodle **Rescheduled**

Wednesdays, Mar. 23 - Apr. 27

3:45-4:45

Ages 5-9

$90 Members/$110 Non-Members

Guest instructor Lynn Campbell will introduce kids to YogaDoodle, a fusion of traditional yoga postures and creative expression. Children learn postures to help experience their physical sense while exploring sight, sound and stillness with their peers. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara to register, or email her at vdmprograms@vadm.org!

Teddy Bear Tea Party
Saturday, March 26
2:30-3:30
Ages 4-8 with adult
$10 Members / $13 Non-Members

Bring your favorite teddy bear (or stuffed animal) and put on your finest clothes for this afternoon tea party! We'll make fancy hats and flowers and then snack on an assortment of fun drinks and finger sandwiches. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara to register, or email her at vdmprograms@vadm.org!

Little Chefs **Rescheduled**

Coming Saturday Mornings this Spring!

April 2, April 9, April 16, May 7, May 14, and May 21

10am-11:30am

Ages 4-8

Per class:$10 for Members and $13 for Non-Members

For all six classes:$55 for Members and $70 for Non-Members

Bring your little ones and create tasty snacks and delicious meals together! Your kids will learn about kitchen safety and build their cooking skills in a fun, safe environment. Space is limited, so sign up today. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara to register, or email her at vdmprograms@vadm.org!

Hollywood Theatre Lab **Rescheduled**

Fridays, Apr. 15 - May 20

3:45 - 4:45

Ages 6-8

$90 members/$110 nonmembers

In this 6-week session, actress and acting instructor Lana Young will teach children how to perform while exploring their imagination in a safe and fun environment. Fun and focused exercises teach children how to listen to their scene partners and build communication skills. They will learn basic stage technique, how to break down scripts and how to find their objective as the character. The goal - teaching life skills through acting - is to build self-esteem and confidence while showing children how to find truth in a character. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara to register, or email her at vdmprograms@vadm.org!

Spring Flowers! - Flower Arranging Class
Saturday, May 7
2:30-3:30
Ages 4-8 with adult
$15 Members / $18 Non-Members

A treat right before Mother's Day! Bring your little ones and make a beautiful flower arrangement together. Learn the ins and outs of flower arranging and create something special for Mom this year. Call 977-1025 x 9 and ask for Sara to register, or email her at vdmprograms@vadm.org!

VDM's Summer Mini-Camps 2011!
Our summer camp schedule will be announced shortly! Stay tuned to our website, http://www.vadm.org/, for more details!

2010-12-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

Steampunk!

2010-12-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

Teacher Work Day Program
Monday, January 17th, 9 am—12 pm
Ages 4 — 7
$30 Members/$35 Non-Members

Give your kids a chance to explore the infinite possibilities of all things steampunk! Your kids
will make dirigibles and steampunk goggles to go with them. They will create metallic art, fantasize about the past and the future, and look at how technology changes through the ages. A day of gears, gadgets and, most of all, good times.

Space is limited, so ask at the Front Desk or contact Sara (vdmprograms@vadm.org; 977-1025 x 9) with questions or to register.

Fun Programs and Events in the Spring!

2010-12-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

Does your child want to act out a favorite character, exercise his body, create new recipes, explore the wonders of air and space, or discover the power of all things steampunk? Sign them up for one of the many weekly programs starting at the Virginia Discovery Museum this spring. Check out our bi-monthly calendar or our website to view the times and dates of all of these exciting programs. In addition to our usual fantastic Drop-in Programs such as StoryTime Tuesdays, Poetry Club, Toddler Time, and Magic School Bus Science Club, we have several pre-registration programs in partnership with local organizations

One program that will start January 7 – February 11 is Hollywood Theatre Lab, which requires pre-registration. In this six week session, actress and acting instructor Lana Young will teach children how to perform while exploring their imagination in a safe and fun environment. Fun and focused exercises teach children how to listen to their scene partners and build communication skills. They will learn basic stage technique, how to break down scripts, and how to find their objective as the character. The goal – teaching life skills through acting – is to build self confidence while showing children how to find truth in a character. The Hollywood Theatre Lab classes, only $90 for members and $110 for non-members, take place on Friday afternoons at 3:30pm-4:30pm and accept children ages 6-8.

After the success of last summer’s program, the VDM is proud to present YogaDoodle, Taught by Guest Instructor, Lynn Campbell, this program features a fusion of traditional yoga postures and creative expression. Children learn postures to help experience their physical sense while exploring sight, sound, and stillness with their peers. This new program of six sessions, starts on Wednesdays from 3:45pm-4:45pm and includes kids ages 5-9. Members pay $90 and non-members pay $110.

On January 17 from 9am-12pm, the museum will host a Teacher Workday Program featuring Steampunk: The Power of Steam. Give your kids a chance to explore the infinite possibilities of all things steampunk! Your kids will make dirigibles and steampunk goggles to go with them. They will create metallic art, fantasize about the past and the future, and look at how technology changes through the ages. It promises to be a day of gears, gadgets and, most of all, good times. The program is for children ages 4-7 and is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

Coming on Saturday mornings from February 5 – March 12 is our Little Chefs program. Bring your little ones and create tasty snacks and delicious meals ogether! Your kids will learn about kitchen safety and build their cooking skills in a fun, safe environment. Space is limited, so sign up today. The program runs from 10am-11:30am and includes kids ages 4-8. To sign up for individual classes, the cost is $10 for members and $13 for non-members. To sign up for all six classes, the cost is $55 for members and $70 for non-members.

Register for these programs soon as space is limited and don’t forget about Date Nights on Friday nights from 5:30-8:00. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids revel in an evening of activities, dinner, and lots of free time to play in the museum. For the winter months, Date Nights will be on the first Fridays of the month. This pre-registration drop-off program includes a craft, games, a dinner with cheese pizza, carrot sticks, and fruit juice, and lots of free time to play in the Museum! Space is limited to 12 children per week and will not run without a minimum of 4 children, so be sure to call to register before 5pm the Thursday before the program. Registrants will be notified by 5pm on the Thursday before the program if we need to cancel. The program is for kids ages 3-8 and VDM members pay $20 while non-members $25. We have a siblings discount of $5 and a cancellation fee of $10 after 12pm on the Thursday before the registered program. No refund for same-day cancellation.

The spring season aims to be a busy one for the Virginia Discovery Museum, but we hope it will also be a success. Don’t forget that we will also be hosting our annual Kid*Vention, the theme of which is Discover Sky and Space! This fun event will be on March 26 from 9am-3pm (location TBA) and is all about taking time to look up and explore what’s above our heads! Learn about birds and bats, planes and rockets, comets and more through hands-on activities, crafts and games. Sponsored by the Virginia Discovery Museum, WVPT, the City of Charlottesville, and Lite Rock Z95.1, this is one event your family won’t want to miss!

We are eager to see the kids participate in the weekly programs and events and we welcome any feedback from our visitors. Please contact us anytime for information and questions. We wish everyone a happy winter and hope to see you for the programs. Stay tuned for updates on the new exhibit, Up, Up, and Away!

Check out the Open Studio - Sponsored by UVa Athletics Cavman's Crew!

2010-12-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, we have newly renovated our Open Studio. The walls have been repainted a warm cream color, a more interactive table with chairs was set up, and new accessible storage units have been constructed. All of this is courtesy of our sponsor, UVa Athletics Cavman’s Crew. We thank them heartily for their generosity. Next time your child is busy creating a masterpiece from a variety of art materials located in the storage units, check out the Cavaliers’ events on the posters that adorn the walls. You can also sign up for the official Kid’s Club of Virginia Athletics at http://www.cavmanscrew.com/.

New Art Show in the Program Room - Untitled Landsapes

2010-12-07T10:35:00.001-08:00

I photograph the stillness of empty places--deserted beaches, barren deserts, vine encrusted factories. Even when I focus my camera of scenes that are full of life, such as blazing autumn forests or gossamer flowers, I try to abstract the subject matter so that it retreats into the quiescence of abstract form and texture. I photograph the same subject repeatedly, even obsessively. Slowly, the act of continually re-photographing a scene helps crystallize a mental image that eventually supplants the psychological chatter of descriptors (“dynamic,” “textural,” “luminous”) which inevitably fail to do justice to any image. I strive to let my head be as empty of words as my images are of people.This momentary triumph of images over words is necessitated by the other half of my mental life. By training I am, or am on my way to becoming, an historian of contemporary art. Art history and art criticism operate through words, words that attempt to analyze, explain and ultimately subdue an image (or a sculpture, installation or performance). The image is conscripted back into a linguistic system. The mental quietude of my photographic practice helps me to rebalance this equation.

Biography

Mike Maizels is an art history PhD student and photographer living in Charlottesville, Virginia. After studying photography and philosophy of mind at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he received an MA in art history from the University of Chicago Program in the Humanities. He is currently working with Howard Singerman on his PhD at the University of Virginia. His dissertation will focus on the questions of subjectivity and spectatorship raised by new media art, particularly large-scale installations.

Presenting Hope Harris!

2010-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

The Virginia Discovery Museum
presents

Hope Harris & The Cousins Jamboree
A Fun-filled Family Concert

Sunday, December 5, at 2:00 pm

The Sanctuary at The Haven at First & Market

Suggested donation is $5 per person.

Please join us as we celebrate the release of Hope’s new CD, Cousins Jamboree! It promises to be an energetic, interactive experience for the whole family – be ready to sing, dance, and laugh. Hope’s performances have been described as “magical” and “pure joy”. For more information, go to http://www.hopeharris.com/.

Here is a review that Richmond Family Magazine gave the CD in the October issue.
"Just sampling a snippet of Hope Harris' new CD should send families flocking to see her in action... Cousins Jamboree- with a whopping 16 songs- serves up all the energy of a live performance and then some. With rich arrangements and whimsical lyrics, the charm of this folksy artist shines through on every track, especially Eddie the Otter, I Love Apples, and Babysitter (the ones you'll be humming long after the kids are out of earshot)!"
Many thanks for your continuing support for the Museum....

Virginia Discovery Museum Announces New Executive Director

2010-11-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Virginia Discovery Museum Board of Directors is pleased to announce its new executive director will be Amy Wicks-Horn of Charlottesville.

Wicks-Horn, a native of Franklin, North Carolina, has served as director of annual giving for the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital since 2007, and prior to that was assistant director of annual giving at the University of Virginia since 2004.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Virginia, Wicks-Horn also holds a master’s in public administration from the University of Washington. She formerly served as executive director of an education-based non-profit for children in Seattle.

"I am thrilled to join the incredible team at the Virginia Discovery Museum," said Wicks-Horn. "I look forward to working with our staff, board, and the community to fulfill the Museum’s mission to ‘bring young children and their families together to engage minds, excite imaginations, and explore the world around them.’ I am very excited to get started! "

"This was an extremely competitive search," said Elizabeth Chew, Board Chair and member of the search committee comprised of current and former Board members. "We were very impressed with the applicant pool, which came to us from all across the United States. Amy had the experience and high level of energy that we were looking for, and we believe she will be an outstanding leader for the organization."

Wicks-Horn replaces the retiring Peppy Linden, who over a 20-year period has grown the Virginia Discovery Museum from infancy into a Downtown Mall landmark and education destination for thousands of area children and families. Since relocating to the Downtown Mall in 1990, the Virginia Discovery Museum has welcomed over 885,000 visitors and become an anchor and economic driver for the Mall’s East End.

Wicks-Horn will begin work on January 3, 2011.

An Instrument Petting Zoo

2010-11-18T07:03:00.001-08:00

New Art Show in the Program Room!

2010-11-16T10:57:00.001-08:00

For the next month, the Program Room of the Virginia Discovery Museum will be hosting the solo exhibition of local artist, Jesse Wells. Her show, which consists of pen, gouache, and gesso on paper, highlights the “dynamics between individuals and the moments of ambivalence through which they understand the world.” Wells presents figures interacting with each other or standing alone, but all are on a “quest to navigate each other, in search of what is good.”

In this show, her work centers on the interaction between young adolescents and the innocent way in which they view the world around them. She also focuses on their, perhaps naïve, relationships with each other. As said by Wells, she “teases out the moments of naïve and dangerous exploration – actions that come from an innocent place that might still bring about irrevocable knowledge.” Come down to the museum to view this new and original show. If you wish to purchase any works, please ask a staff member or email the artist at jesskawells@gmail.com.

Give the Gift of Discovery!

2010-11-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, why not give your loved ones the gift of experiences? The Virginia Discovery Museum is proud to offer a wide variety of gift ideas that you can choose from: a holiday wreath, gift certificates, and memberships. These gifts will not only enrich your family experiences, but also benefit the museum as well.

Our balsam fir wreaths are hand-made, fragrant, long-lasting, and decorated with a tartan bow, berries, and pine cones. The wreaths make wonderful gifts for friends, family, co-workers, clients, or yourself. They will be shipped from Maine to any address within the continental U.S. We’ve kept to the 2009 prices: 1 to 9 wreaths are $40.75 each; 10 or more wreaths are $38.50 each. The VDM member discount is $38.50 per wreath. These prices include processing and shipping and $10 per wreath is tax-deductible. The final order deadline is November 19, so hurry to place your order today.

The Virginia Discovery Museum offers a range of gift certificate options that you can purchase for your loved ones. You can buy daily admission tickets for new visitors to the museum or treat your friends to a Date Night Drop-off on Friday nights. We also offer gift certificates for special programs such as Hollywood Theatre Lab Classes, Summer Camps, and StarLab Planetarium Shows. If you wish to find a more creative option, you can buy a certificate that offers group visits, birthday parties, or registration for our annual Discovery Dash in the spring. If there is something that we have not thought of, do not hesitate to ask. We encourage new ideas and want to help make this holiday season a joyous one!

A membership to the Virginia Discovery Museum provides fun all year long for the whole family. In addition to unlimited admission to VDM for a full year, membership allows free reciprocal admission to hundreds of other museums around the country. Members will also have birthday party privileges, discounts on all classes and camps, and 3-month gift membership purchase privileges. Members will also receive our bi-monthly newsletter of events in advance.

All of these gifts are available starting now, so do not wait to pick one up. If you have any questions about our holiday gifts ideas, please call 434-977-1025 or check out our website at http://www.vadm.org/. Have a wonderful start to your holiday season!

Hope Harris and the Cousins Jamboree!

2010-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Speak! Global Tour of Homes

2010-11-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Speak!

Kids in conjunction with Virginia Gingerbread Christmas presents:
Global Tour of Homes
Saturday, November 6 from 3-5pm

$10 per child*
Pre-registration Required
(2 hr. validated parking in the Water St. Garage next door)
*Proceeds donated to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge

Have you ever wondered how children live in Japan, China, Italy, Russia and France? What do there houses look like and how are they different from ours? Find out at this interactive cultural workshop for children at Speak! Teachers representing several different countries around the world will lead kids ages 4-10 on a Global tour of home life and architecture that will involve images, stories and creative activities sure to inspire many to create a Gingerbread House with a distinctive international theme! Snack time, too!

The Glass Building

313 2nd Street S.E., Suite 109

Charlottesville, VA 22902

434-245-TALK

http://www.speaklanguagecenter.com/

Make the 2010 Virginia Film Festival a Family Affair!

2010-11-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Celebrate the magic of movies with an all-day array of family events and activities on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. Events include:

- Screenings of feature family films at The Paramount - free admission!

- The spotlight's on ...You! - walk the red carpet and pose for flashbulb-popping paparrazzi!

- Back lot experience including green screen technology and 3-D imaging

- Premieres of films by aspiring youth filmmakers from acclaimed Light house Studio and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground along with our own Youn Filmmakers Academy

- Free admission to the Virginia Discovery Museum from 1-3pm with VFF stub

- Performances by Academical Village People, Barycentric Theology Fire Spinners, Virginia Dance Team, and more from 10am to 3pm on our Central Place stage

- Bounce-n-Play, face painting, balloon craft, and healthy food samplings

Beauty and the Beast: Saturday at 10:30am at The Paramount

This classic Disney is a timeless tale of romance, intelligence, feminism, and morality. the over arching theme of "don't judge a book by its cover" is intertwined with a magical tale of beasts, castles, dungeons, and witches. Children will be entranced from beginning to end! Following the film, Paige O'Hara (the original voice of Belle) will perform along with the Albemarle High School Patriot Singers. Paige will also sign autographs. It is a must see event!

Louder than a Bomb: Saturday at 1:15pm at The Paramount

This uplifting and inspiring documentary charts the progress of four competing poetry groups within the Chicago Louder than a Bomb Teen Poetry Challenge. Each group faces adversity and embraces creativity as the competition unfolds. The personalities of each poet are celebrated as the documentary highlights the exciting diversity of such a competition. It has been called"an affecting and superbly paced celebration of American youth at their creative best," and is an obvious crowd pleaser. following the film, a panel of poetry enthusiasts and slam poets will discuss the film.

Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

University of Virginia and the College of Arts and Sciences

The Virginia Film Festival

434-982-5560

www.virginiafilmfestival.org

Critters - A New Art Show in the Program Room

2010-10-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

For the next three weeks, the Virginia Discovery Museum is proud to showcase the works of local artist, Leslie Allyn, in a solo exhibition, “Critters.” Allyn believes that animals of all types carry a magic; a sense of whimsy that she attempts to recreate in her watercolor paintings. She focuses on the relationship between critters and humans, specifically the personalities of these animals, bugs, and fish. To study the faces and movements of these creatures, one becomes enlightened by the similarities to the expressions and bodily movements of human beings. Such similarities can be “amusing, comforting, mysterious, or even scary.” Allyn enjoys this personal connection with nature’s critters and finds inspiration in the curiosity of a baby goat or the glistening dew on the woven web of a diligent spider. These paintings depict “moments in time” that not only highlight the personalities of the critters, but also glorify the strangeness and magic of our relationship with nature. Allyn successfully captures the human-like characteristics of each critter in her works, whether it is the fearlessness of a “Flying Squirrel,” the sweet nature of a donkey offering flowers in “Ridonkulous Ranunculus,” or the wide-eyed, stressed-out exhaustion of a fish in “Spaced Out.” Be sure to check out Allyn’s works in the Program Room of the Virginia Discovery Museum on your next visit. To learn more about the artist and her process, also check out her website at http://www.leslieallyn.com/.

Halloween Party, Holiday Houses, and Many More Fun Fall Programs!

2010-10-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

In case you have not received our bi-monthly newsletter or checked out our website, the Virginia Discovery Museum wants to make you aware of several late fall events that are taking place. On October 29th, the museum will be hosting our annual Halloween Party from 6-7:30. Register now and come dressed in your best costume! This event, for children ages 2-7 with an adult, is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Get ready for a howlin’ good time as you enjoy spooktacular crafts, games, a Mad Scientist Lab, and more!

On November 1 from 9-12, special guest instructor, Meg Heubeck, from the UVA Center for politics Youth Leadership Initiative, will be presenting a Teacher Workday Program: Count Your Votes! The program, geared towards children ages 4-7 and is $30 for members and $35 for non-members, will involve reading books about voting, making a button to share one of your child’s important ides for improving our country, and more!

Starting in December, the Virginia Discovery Museum will devote two Saturdays, the 11th and the 18th from 10:30-11:30, to Holiday Houses, in which kids ages 4 and up with an adult can get into the holiday spirit and decorate pre-assembled houses with icing, marshmallows, candy canes, and loads more yummy treats.

In addition to these fantastic and fun fall events and our usual Drop-in Programs such as StoryTime Tuesdays, Poetry Club, Toddler Time, and Magic School Bus Science Club, we have several pre-registration programs in partnership with local organizations

One such program is Speak! Language Class, which runs from November 3 – December 15. After the success of the language classes over the summer, Speak! Language Center presents European Vacation, in which they explore the languages and cultures of Italy, France, and Spain. Each session includes an interactive language lesson (songs, stories, and games) and an introduction to the culture of each country. Children can Flamenco dance in Spain, discover the artistic wonders of the Louvre in Paris, and order a rainbow of gelato flavors in Italy! The Speak! Language Classes will be on Wednesdays at 3:30-4:45 and welcome kids ages 5-9. The class is only $100 for members and $120 for non-members. Sign up today!

Another summer program that will start November 5 – December 17 is Hollywood Theatre Lab, which also requires pre-registration. Lana Young will teach children how to perform while exploring their imagination in a safe and fun environment. Fun and focused exercises teach children how to listen to their scene partners and build communication skills. They will learn basic stage technique, how to break down scripts, and how to find their objective as the character. The goal – teaching life skills through acting – is to build self confidence while showing children how to find truth in a character. The Hollywood Theatre Lab classes, only $90 for members and $110 for non-members, take place on Friday afternoons at 3:30-4:30 and accept children ages 6-8.

Register for these programs soon as space is limited and don’t forget about Date Nights on Friday nights from 5:30-8:00. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids revel in an evening of activities, dinner, and lots of free time to play in the museum. We are eager to see the kids participate in the weekly programs and we welcome any feedback from our visitors. Please contact us anytime for information and questions. We wish everyone a happy October and hope to see you for the programs.

Dynamic Grace - A new art show in the Program Room of the Virginia Discovery Museum

2010-10-08T10:20:00.001-07:00

DYNAMIC GRACE
Amanda Johnson

I have always been drawn to nests and their divine design. That something so small, and presumably simple-minded as a bird, has the innate ability to create such an incredibly complex and developed masterpiece of strands, sticks, and everything in between. Amazing! Initially, this show was planned as a series of nests and eggs. But on a particular evening this summer, when the sky was clear and full of stars, I was taken by an impulse to incorporate the moon’s phases. It was then that I discovered the relationship that eggs have with the lunar cycle. Call it synchronicity. Approximately the same amount of time is taken for an egg’s gestation period as it takes the moon to move through a revolution of phases. More research ensued and biodynamics transpired. This collection of works develops a particular interest in the relationship of organism and environment; divine energy and grace.

All of my work begins with a significant image, color, or texture. After deciding on a medium, I trust my art to take me where it leads. My hope is that my finished product describes this experience to my audience. My painting process is a collection of layers, glazes of color, and an array of textures that have come about along the way. I pour on polymer medium, slather on pastes and gels, stain surfaces, scratch surfaces, and sand surfaces. I force things to dry, to move, and to blend. There aren’t really any rules or expectations when I paint. I just let the flow take over. In the past ten years, I’ve spent time exploring pen and ink, ceramics, woodworking, encaustic, watercolor, and acrylic painting. Anything could be on the horizon.

Amanda currently resides and paints in Crozet.
She has an ever-growing collection of nests and eggs.

The Tibetan Way!

2010-09-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Discovery Museum is proud to announce it's next Exhibit, The Tibetan Way!

OPENING DAY - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25th!!!

Exhibit runs September 25th, 2010 - March 27, 2011.

A mysterious land in the Himalayas, Tibet is known as the country that sits "on top of the world". Explore the unique culture and traditions created by people who thrive in this extraordinary landscape of mountains and valleys. Visit a nomads tent. Learn the many uses of yaks in the highlands. Try blanket weaving or trade goods in the bustling market. Listen to Tibetan music while you dress in traditional garb for the Losar Festival, celebrating the Tibetan lunar New Year. Explore the Buddhist altars where all Tibetans worship. This exhibit will open your eyes to a fascinating world that remains one of the most inaccessible and intriguing places in Asia today.

Peppy Linden, Longtime Virginia Discovery Museum Executive Director, Announces Retirement Plans

2010-09-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Peppy Linden, who over a 20-year period has grown the Virginia Discovery Museum from infancy into a Downtown Mall landmark and education destination for thousands of area children and families, has announced plans to retire in 2011.

Linden announced her plans today to the Virginia Discovery Museum Board of Directors and Museum staff.

“I have loved this place for so long, and I have loved the people who have come through our doors over the past 20 years, especially the children,” said Linden. “I am proud of the positive impact we have had on early childhood education in our community, and how we have brought children and families closer together.

“When we started, we were in a house on Ackley Lane near the Gordon Avenue Library. When the Mall building came our way, we had 30 days to get it ready and move in, and we pulled it off and just grew from there.

“I am so grateful for the staff and volunteers over the years who have put in the countless hours, who have helped children find their way, who have pointed parents to the bathroom, who have built the exhibits and manned the front door. Thousands of donors have invested in us and their support has had a tremendous impact on the lives of young people in our area.”

Since relocating to the Downtown Mall in 1990, the Virginia Discovery Museum has welcomed over 885,000 visitors and become an anchor and economic driver for the Mall’s East End. Community outreach programs and summer camps have become a mainstay.

The Discovery Museum is known in museum circles for its rotating exhibitions, a rarity among children’s museums, and daily programming. Recent original exhibitions featured in the Back Gallery have included Freedom of Expression, a partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, and Illumination Station: Light, Lasers, Lenses. The Virginia Discovery Museum was the only children’s museum in Virginia to host the Smithsonian Institution’s New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music installation.

“The Virginia Discovery Museum is ‘the house that Peppy built,’ and her impact on the community has been nothing short of amazing,” said Elizabeth Chew, Museum Board Chair. “She has worked tirelessly to engage and teach young minds. But I also know some of her most rewarding moments have come when parents have thanked her for what they have learned from their own children.”

The Museum's Board of Directors is assembling a search committee to begin a national search for a new executive director who will build on Linden’s success. The Board is currently conducting a strategic planning process that will guide the future direction of the Museum, and the next executive director will oversee execution of the new strategic plan.

“Peppy has gotten us to the point where we can think about our future in new and exciting ways,” added Chew. “The Virginia Discovery Museum is a Charlottesville treasure and popular destination, but we have ambitious plans for the future. We owe it to Peppy and her legacy to think of how we can serve more children and families, and serve them even better than we have over the past 20 years.”

Exciting New Fall Programs at the Virginia Discovery Museum!

2010-09-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Does your child want to create some art, explore the wonders of science, exercise your body, learn a new language, or act out your favorite character? Sign them up for one of the many weekly fall programs at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Check out our website to view the times and dates of all of these exciting programs.

Starting next week, the museum brings back seasonal favorite drop-in programs such as StoryTime Tuesdays and Magic School Bus Science Club (on Thursdays) to join Toddler Time, which is now on Wednesdays. These programs require no registration and feature a new project each week for the kids – hearing exciting stories, creating art, and exploring the depths of science and nature.

Along with these drop-in programs, the Virginia Discovery Museum is hosting several pre-registration programs in partnership with local organizations. One such program is Speak! Language Class. After the success of the language classes over the summer, Speak! Language Center presents European Vacations, in which they explore the languages and cultures of Italy, France, and Spain. Each session includes an interactive language lesson (songs, stories, and games) and an introduction to the culture of each country. Children can Flamenco dance in Spain, discover the artistic wonders of the Louvre in Paris, and order a rainbow of gelato flavors in Italy! The Speak! Language Classes will be on Wednesdays at 3:30-4:45 and welcome kids ages 5-10. The class is only $150 for members and $180 for non-members. Sign up today!

Another summer program that is now featured in the fall season is Hollywood Theatre Lab, which also requires pre-registration. Lana Young returns with a 12-week session that will teach children how to perform while exploring their imagination in a safe and fun environment. Fun and focused exercises teach children how to listen to their scene partners and build communication skills. They will learn basic stage technique, how to break down scripts, and how to find their objective as the character. The goal – teaching life skills through acting – is to build self confidence while showing children how to find truth in a character. The Hollywood Theatre Lab classes, only $210 for members and $240 for non-members, take place on Friday afternoons at 3:30-4:45 and accept children ages 6-10.

One brand new program is YogaDoodle, which is free to members. Taught by Guest Instructor, Lynn Campbell, this program features a fusion of traditional yoga postures and creative expression. Children learn postures to help experience their physical sense while exploring sight, sound, and stillness with their peers. This new program of only four sessions, starts on Tuesdays at 3:30 and includes kids ages 5-9.

Register for these programs soon as space is limited and don’t forget about Date Nights on Friday nights from 5:30-8:00. Enjoy a night on the town while your kids revel in an evening of activities, dinner, and lots of free time to play in the museum.

The fall season aims to be a busy one for the Virginia Discovery Museum, but we hope it will also be a success. We are eager to see the kids participate in the weekly programs and we welcome any feedback from our visitors. Please contact us anytime for information and questions. We wish everyone a happy fall and hope to see you for the programs. Stay tuned for updates on the new exhibit, The Tibetan Way and our Halloween Party!

The Tibetan Way!

2010-08-27T12:51:00.001-07:00

The Virginia Discovery Museum is proud to announce it's next Exhibit, The Tibetan Way!
OPENING DAY - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25th!!!
Exhibit runs September 25th, 2010 - March 27, 2011.

A mysterious land in the Himalayas, Tibet is known as the country that sits "on top of the world". Explore the unique culture and traditions created by people who thrive in this extraordinary landscape of mountains and valleys. Visit a nomads tent. Learn the many uses of yaks in the highlands. Try blanket weaving or trade goods in the bustling market. Listen to Tibetan music while you dress in traditional garb for the Losar Festival, celebrating the Tibetan lunar New Year. Explore the Buddhist altars where all Tibetans worship. This exhibit will open your eyes to a fascinating world that remains one of the most inaccessible and intriguing places in Asia today.

Sponsored by SNL Financial

Making the Summer a Success – Thank You to the Museum Teen Volunteers!

2010-08-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

This summer, the Virginia Discovery Museum once again hosted the Museum Teen Volunteer Program. We received a record number of applications and accepted 38 volunteers representing 5 high schools in the Charlottesville area. These enthusiastic teens attended an orientation session where they learned all about the museum and its mission. Then, serving as Gallery Volunteers, summer camp assistants, and Date Night helpers, they interacted directly with the visitors creating a fun, safe, and educational environment in the museum.
During the hectic and hot summer months, the staff relies on the MTV program to help monitor the atmosphere in the museum. We had a great group of teen volunteers this year and the staff could not be more grateful for their hard work. They volunteered a total of 945 hours over the summer. That’s tremendous! The volunteers gained some valuable work experience, met new people, and had fun during their time with us. Several of the teen volunteers aim to continue dedicating their time to the museum during the upcoming school year. We wish them luck in the fall season and hope that they will stay in touch with the Virginia Discovery Museum. Many thanks to the Museum Teen Volunteers!

Summer Camp Wrap-Up!

2010-08-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

What a summer it has been!! The Virginia Discovery Museum has had a very busy and entertaining summer season. We hope that all of our visitors, both regular and new, have enjoyed the museum, the exhibits, and, most especially, the camps! This summer, the Virginia Discovery Museum hosted 7 camps, each with an original and exciting theme encouraging the kids ages 4-7 to learn to express themselves in new and imaginative ways. The camps kicked off with This Land Was Their Land, an examination into the history and culture of original North Americans such as the Pueblos, Monacans, and Inuits. Kids designed their own straw-covered wigwams, made scrimshaw etchings, and constructed miniature “igloos” out of sugar cubes.

In the Friendship and Fantasies camp, children dove into the imaginative and unearthly world of Neil Gaiman and Tony DiTerlizzi. Embracing the literature of these two creative authors, the children practiced their letters while producing images of dragons and other fantastical creatures. Following the themes of the books, campers made pirate maps and went on treasure hunts, created “crazy hair” out of angel hair pasta, and fashioned their own hot air balloons helping their imaginations soar to exciting heights.

To round out the month of June, our third camp brought the focus back down to earth by Going Green! In honor of the museum’s back gallery exhibit of “It’s Easy Being Green,” children learned about our environment and how to preserve it. Incorporating the museum’s exhibit, the campers made art out of recycled materials, studied the pollination of flowers by bees, and witnessed the metamorphosis and releasing of our butterflies.

July took off like a rocket with the Infinity and Beyond camp that explored the far reaches of our solar system. Campers constructed constellations, turned themselves into aliens (complete with antennae!), and experienced the vast wonders of space with StarLab, the museum’s portable planetarium.

Our Best Friends encouraged the campers to become acquainted with the critters that sometimes become dearly loved household pets. Children interacted with a variety of furry friends such as dogs, cats, hamsters, and even chinchillas! They enjoyed special one on one time with each animal as they learned about the care and responsibility of providing for a pet.

With the end of July, campers ventured to the Asia in the Manga Madness camp to learn about the culture and history of Japan. The children experienced traditional Japanese foods such as tempura and miso soup along with creating their own Zen gardens and cherry blossom paintings. They continued their journey into Japanese culture with woodblock prints, ikebana flower arrangements, shoji screens, and warrior kites. What a way to study abroad without ever leaving the room!

Our last summer camp, Colorful Constructions, focused on the colors and shapes used to create fine art reminiscent of renowned artists like Picasso and Matisse. Campers constructed color wheels, fashioned bug mobiles, and created shapes to make Tanagram puzzles. On one exciting day, the campers ventured out of doors to the Mcguffey Art Center where they met artist Lana Lambert and learned about woodblock prints.

We hope that the children enjoyed these camps as much as we did. Please feel free to contact us with feedback and get ready to gear up for a thrilling fall season when we bring back regular weekly programs and introduce new original programs! Keep ahead of the season by checking out our webpage, our facebook page, and our monthly calendar.

Continuum - A New Exhibition in the Program Room

2010-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

"For years, the circle has meant everything, and nothing to me, all at once."

-Shana R. Goetsch

Once again, the Program Room at the Virginia Discovery Museum has been transformed into a modern art gallery by the watercolor paintings of local artist, Shana R. Goetsch.

Goetsch aims to highlight the complexity of the circle by exposing the many layers and flaws found within its simple shape. She focuses on the paradox of the circle as "a single tension that holds countless other tensions; it alludes to life, the human body, nature, and religion." The circle serves as her muse for her abstract watercolor paintings whether they represent a barely audible "Whisper" or a manic "Deluge".

These works, on display from August 3-22, can be viewed at any time. The Program Room is open at all times whether for a summer camp, a weekly program, or for your viewing pleasure. Please enjoy the exhibition and let Goetsch abstract watercolors inspire you as you walk through the museum. The paintings are also for sale, so please contact a Staff member if you are interested in purchasing a beautiful work of art.

Thank you so much to Shana R. Goetsch for sharing her works. To view more of the artist's work and her blog, please click here: http://www.artinshanaty.blogspot.com/.

Our New Toddler Room!

2010-07-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

Have you seen the wonderful new murals in the Toddler Room? Where before our pirate ship sat in a room of beige, forlornly looking for a sea with which to embark on adventures, now it sits BENEATH the sea.

Our ship has become a SUNKEN pirate ship hiding amongst fish, coral, seaweed, jellyfish, and other magical sea creatures.

The work is the brainchild of talented, award-winning artist J.E. Matzer who generously donated his time and talent in creating this magical space for our young Museum visitors. Not only did he spend months creating the murals at his home in Richmond, Virginia, he traveled to Charlottesville over a period of weeks to assist our Exhibit Coordinator Jennifer Thompson Elmore with the installation of each mural. Then he painstakingly added detailed artwork around each mural to "blend" them into the Toddler Room walls.

During the process, a parent with a sense of humor couldn't help but ask, "Are you going to paint an oil spill too?" Hardee-har har! :0) But no, not on these walls. These walls are an undersea wonderland where Sid the Squid, Larry Lobster and Jebediah Jellyfish frolic and play in and around the pirate ship. And now your little ones can too!

You can view more photos here. Stop by soon and pay Sid the Squid a visit. He'd love to see you!

Thanks to J.E. Matzer for his donation of time, talent, and photographs, and to Kate Steere of Everyday C'ville for her photo!

Date Night Drop-Off Program!

2010-07-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

A NIGHT OUT FOR YOUR AND YOUR KIDS!

Are you dying to finally have that date night you've always promised yourselves? Have you ever wished there was a place you could drop off your kids right on the Downtown Mall so you could go to dinner or Fridays After Five? Has your child ever wished they could play in the Virginia Discovery Museum after hours when the crowds have dispersed?

Well, guess what? You can! As requested by our visitors, the Virginia Discovery Museum now has a Date Night Drop Off Program! Every Friday from 5:30pm to 8pm throughout July and August, you can drop off your 3-8 year old while you enjoy all the amenities the Downtown Mall has to offer. Sip some wine over dinner, go shopping, grab a gelato, or catch the free show at Fridays After Five. The Museum has got childcare covered.

And it's so much better than a babysitter! We keep groups small, so kids have tons of room to discover the Museum, and each week there's a different educational theme and craft to make during the evening's program:

July 9th - Rousseau Jungles
July 16th - Glow in the Dark Night
July 23rd - Byzantine Art
July 30th - A Night in Egypt
August 6th - Medieval Times
August 13th - Arrrr Matey!
August 20th - Pointillism
August 27th - Bead Making

A healthy dinner of cheese pizza, carrot sticks, and fruit juice is included in the registration fee, as well as lots of free time to play in the Museum. Sign up today and have that date night you've always wanted - the Museum will take care of the rest!

INFORMATION:
Fridays 5:30-8pm, Ages 3-8
(we request your 3-year-old be fully potty trained)
VDM Members $20/ Non-members $25 (siblings discount $5).

Cancellation fee of $10 after 12pm on the day before registered program. No refund for same-day cancellation. Space is limited to 12 children per week and will not run without a minimum of 4 children. Registrants will be notified by 5pm on the night before the program if we need to cancel. Payment is due when child is registered for program.

Call 434-977-1025 to register your child.

Admission Increase & Blue Star Museums Initiative

2010-06-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Admission Increase
Beginning July 1, 2010, the admission will increase from $4 to $6 per person. This is the first fee increase since May 2004. Since that time, the Museum has created more drop-in programs, installed new permanent exhibits, and improved the content and artistic quality of our featured exhibits. Spending time at the Museum is an investment in learning and costs less than a movie or most recreational activities. Still, the best bargain is an annual membership because it offers not only unlimited admission to the Virginia Discovery Museum, but birthday party privileges, reduced fees for our programs and events, and also reciprocal free admission at hundreds of other museums across the country.

Blue Star Museums Initiative
The Museum is now offering free admission to active duty military and their families. It's part of the Blue Star Museums Initiative. More than 700 museums nationwide will give free admission with a military ID from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2010. Other participating Virginia museums include:

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Williamsburg, VA

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum
Virginia Beach, VA

Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries
Norfolk, VA

Boykin's Tavern/Isle of Wight County Museum
Smithfield, VA

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
Bristow, VA

Carlyle House Historic Park
Alexandria, VA

Chesterfield County Museum
Chesterfield, VA

Chrysler Museum of Art
Norfolk, VA

Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA

Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
Virginia Beach, VA

Deltaville Maritime Museum
Deltaville, VA

DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Williamsburg, VA

Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation and Museum
Wyethville, VA

Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University
Roanoke, VA

Ferry Plantation House Historic Museum
Virginia Beach, VA

Foundation for Historic Christ Church
Irvington, VA

Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House
Alexandria, VA

Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center
Fredericksburg, VA

Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
Staunton, VA

Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Alexandria, VA

Hatton Ferry
Scottsville, VA

Historic Hopewell Foundation
Hopewell, VA

Historic St. Luke's Church
Smithfield, VA

Historical Museum of Western Virginia
Roanoke, VA

Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
Fredericksburg, VA

James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
Fredericksburg, VA

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden
Alexandria, VA

Lightship Portsmouth Museum
Portsmouth, VA

Lynchburg Museum System
Lynchburg, VA

Manassas Museum System
Manassas, VA

Mary Washington House
Fredericksburg, VA

McCallum More Museum and Gardens
Chase City, VA

Meadow Farm Museum
Henrico, VA

Morven Park
Leesburg, VA

Muscarelle Museum of Art
Williamsburg, VA

Museum of Culpeper History
Culpeper, VA

Museum of the Confederacy
Richmond, VA

Museum of the Middle Appalachians
Saltville, VA

National D-Day Memorial
Bedord, VA

O. Winston Link Museum
Roanoke, VA

Old Coast Guard Station
Virginia Beach, VA

Old Court House Civil War Museum
Winchester, VA

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
Portsmouth, VA

Rising Sun Tavern
Fredericksburg, VA

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Alexandria, VA

Tangier History Museum and Interpretive Cultural Center
Tangier, VA

Taubman Museum of Art
Roanoke, VA

The Town of Wytheville Dept of Museums
Wytheville, VA

Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
Forest, VA

US Army Quartermaster Museum
Fort Lee, VA

US Army Women's Museum
Fort Lee, VA

Virginia Historical Society
Richmond, VA

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond, VA

Virginia Museum of Transportation
Roanoke, VA

Weems-Botts Museum
Dumfries, VA

William King Museum
Abingdon, VA

Wilton House Museum
Richmond, VA

Woodlawn Plantation
Alexandria, VA

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum
Staunton, VA

Thank You to our Discovery Dash Volunteers!

2010-06-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

You were the biggest reason this year's 20th Annual Discovery Dash was such a success. Over 500 kids and families from 77 area schools participated. We couldn't have done it without you........THANK YOU!

Free slideshow made with Smilebox

Thank You to our Discoveroo Sponsors!

2010-06-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

The Discoveroo Family Music Festival held at the Charlottesville Pavilion on Sunday May 2nd was a huge success. Despite the heat, attendees danced and wiggled, hula-hooped and hopped. Much fun was had by all!

Pictures can be viewed here by clicking on this link. To purchase, contact Kirsten Rose Photography or 434-971-7883.

A huge THANK YOU goes out to our Discoveroo Family Music Festival Table Sponsors, Volunteers, and Contributors:

Speak! Language Center
Hollywood Theatre Lab
Mountaintop Montessori
The International School of Charlottesville
Alakazam
The Charlottesville Pavilion
The Hook
The City of Charlottesville
Brad Savage of 106.1 The Corner
Aaron Fein
The Hill & Wood
We Are Star Children
Sarah White & The Pearls
Jay Pun and Morwenna Lasko
Kirby Hutto
Danny Shea

...and all of the wonderful volunteers who helped make our 2nd Annual Discoveroo concert such a fun event!

20th Annual Discovery Dash! May 29th-Monticello High School

2010-05-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

“Discovery Dash” Marks Twenty Consecutive Years as Central Virginia’s Only Community-Wide Children’s Race

The Virginia Discovery Museum will host its 20th annual community-wide children’s race, The Discovery Dash, on Saturday, May 29 as part of its “Most Magnificent Month of May” anniversary celebration. Besides being a major fundraiser for the Museum, this year’s event is also the final leg of the official “Kids Triple Crown” (sponsored by Ragged Mountain Running Shop) which also includes the Virginia Institute of Autism road race (April 17) and the Charlottesville Day School cross country race (April 25).

There is also a FREE training camp being held on Saturday, May 22, sponsored by UVA Children's Hospital. For more information or to register, call 434-924-1648 or visit this link.

The Discovery Dash, under the guidance of Race Director Mark Lorenzoni of Ragged Mountain Running Shop, is open to ages 3-12 and will be held on the Monticello High School track. The first race begins at 7:45 a.m. with the Awards Ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Pre-registration is required; there is no race day registration. The regular registration deadline is Friday, May 21. A late fee will apply to registrations received from May 21–26.

Discovery Dash events include a scramble for toddlers, a quarter-mile race, a half-mile race, two mile races, three family relays and the Discovery Cup School Relay sponsored by the Charlottesville Track Club. Every registrant receives a Dash t-shirt; everyone who crosses the finish line gets a ribbon. Trophies are awarded to the three fastest boys and the three fastest girls in each grouping from ages 5-12. Trophies are also awarded to the winners of the Parent/Child and Sibling relays. Adults who ran in the Discovery Dash as a child and who are participating in this year’s Parent/Child Relay will be recognized as Dash Alumni.

The Discovery Dash is open to the public, and spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on all participants. The races are held rain or shine.

To register:
Online: Click this link.
By phone: 434-977-1025, ext. 9 (ask for Jenée)
In person: Stop by the Museum for a registration form.
By email: Email a request to vadmfunds@vadm.org

Hope to see you there!

DISCOVEROO! May 2nd - Charlottesville Pavilion!

2010-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

DISCOVEROO!
A Family Music Festival

Sunday May 2, 2010
3-5pm, gates open at 2pm
Charlottesville Pavilion

Discoveroo! – a children’s music festival featuring local bands popular with adult audiences who will perform a set expressly for children and families. In addition, local organizations will have hands-on activities available to keep children occupied between sets. Tickets are $6 for members, $7 for nonmembers (purchased in advance at the Museum), and $8 for everyone on the day of the show.

We are so excited Danny Shea, who is responsible for Events Promotions and Booking for the beautifully-restored Jefferson Theatre, will once again invite four musical groups to perform a 20-minute family-friendly set at DISCOVEROO! Between performances children will visit local businesses and organizations, who will provide tons of hands-on activities. During the concert, we plan to have lots of dance/wiggle room in front of the stage.

Last year was our first DISCOVEROO!, and despite the rain, it proved to be one of the year’s most popular events. Equally important, DISCOVEROO! reflects our commitment to active, healthy, well-organized activities for children and their families. Please join us!

Are You Ready For KIDVENTION?

2010-02-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

KID*VENTION 2010 - DISCOVER NATURE!
FREE EVENT!
Saturday, March 27 from 10am-2pm Key Recreation Center, 800 E Market Street
(Near the Virginia Discovery Museum and the Charlottesville Pavilion)

You won’t want to miss this year’s Kid*Vention! We’re Discovering Nature, and Charlottesville’s best and brightest are putting together an exciting set of games and activities for you. Join us for this incredible FREE event! Bring your whole family downtown to the Key Recreation Center on Saturday, March 27 from 10am-2pm and get ready for a day of hands-on activities, door prizes, special guests and a few surprises. Thank you to our sponsors for helping to make all of this possible: Charlottesville Parks & Recreation, WVPT, and Lite Rock Z95.1!

Discover Nature this March 27th with Kid*Vention, where you can start your own garden by getting seeds ready for planting, learn about plants and insects and get to draw and paint from observation, see bees in an observation hive, enjoy tree-related games and quizzes, and more!

Meet our incredible exhibitors:
Albemarle/Charlottesville 4H Program
Blandy Experimental Farm
Central Virginia Beekeepers Association
Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards
Charlottesville Astronomical Society
Ivy Creek Foundation
Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center
People’s Alliance for Clean Energy
RetailRelay.Com
Rivanna Master Naturalists
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
University of Virginia’s Environmental Science Organization
UVA Sustainability
Worm Crusader
WVPT (also a Sponsor)
…and the Virginia Discovery Museum.

Don’t forget!
Kid*Vention 2010: Discover Nature
Saturday, March 27 from 10am-2pm
At the Key Recreation Center, 800 E Market Street near the Virginia Discovery Museum and the Charlottesville Pavilion

Admission is FREE, so tell your friends!

Sponsors: Charlottesville Parks & Recreation, WVPT, Lite Rock Z95.1

Let's Light Up Young Minds! Lights, Lasers & Lenses Wine Reception

2010-02-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

(photo by Amy Vorenkamp of Pure Photography)

More than 60 people braved the rain and sleet on January 21st to attend our first-ever Friends of the Museum “Let’s Light Up Young Minds!” reception to celebrate the opening of our new “Lights, Lasers, & Lenses” exhibit. Visitors enjoyed delicious food in our Back Gallery decorated with candles, flowers, lights, and chocolate. Over 15 local businesses donated food or decorations, and Nest Realty and Beer Run provided beverages. Thank you also to Festive Fare for providing us with glasses. Please see our newsletter’s back page for a complete listing, and thank you to these businesses as well as our Friends of the Museum committee for their support of Museum programs. A fun time was had by all. Our next “friend-raiser” will be Sunday, May 16th. Mark your calendar!

…these local businesses who donated food and services to our recent “Let’s Light Up Young Minds!” reception: Baggby’s, Bashir’s Taverna, Beer Run, Brix Terrace Café, Cappellino’s Crazy Cakes, C&O Restaurant, Eppies, Escafe, Fellini’s, Festive Fare, Lee’s Hallmark, Hedge Fine Blooms, Nest Realty Group, The Paramount Theatre, Petit Pois, Pure Photography, Revolutionary Soup, Shenanigans, Sticks Kebob Shop, Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, The Upstairs, Virginia Athletics Kid’s Club (Caveman’s Crew)

…our Friends of the Museum Committee, whose hard work and dedication made our recent “Let’s Light Up Young Minds!” reception such a smashing success: Katie Barr, Sarah Bedford, Stephanie Bolton, Moira Kavanagh Crosby, Jennifer Ferguson, Dianna Gibson, Tamar Goodale, Kennon Ibbeken, Diane Krehmeyer, Robyn Mattern, Kathi Paul, Beth Solak, Betsy Whitten

New Exhibit! Lights, Lasers and Lenses!

2010-01-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

Opening January 16, 2010!

Lights, Lasers and Lenses (January 16 - May 9, 2010)
Come explore things that glow, learn about the colors of light, how light bends and how light bounces. Put on a shadow puppet show, look into infinity, and much much more!

Experience a new way of looking at the world around us - come learn about light in its many manifestations and the information that it conveys. Capture your shadow on our fluorescent wall, create a rainbow with a prism, and make your own light design with our light box. There are lots of fun ways to experience light at the Virginia Discovery Museum!

Welcome to Our New Program and Gallery Manager, Sara!

2009-12-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Sara Driskell has started her training as our new Program and gallery Manager! She worked as a Gallery Assistant at VDM in 2005, so she is well acquainted with us! Sara worked as a Leadership Services Assistant with the United Way in Santa Barbara and is excited to be back in Virginia! Welcome, Sara! We look forward to seeing your great ideas come to life in your programs!

Be sure to vote for us!

2009-12-03T11:58:00.001-08:00

Chase Community Giving votes need to be in by December 11th!

Thanks! VDM

Special Music & Movement Program: The Dreamtime Project

2009-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

We had such a special treat last Friday when The Dreamtime Project came for Music & Movement! Jim Gagnon entertained us, enlightened us, educated us, and amazed us with his many musical talents! Thank you so much Jim and The Dreamtime Project! Jim’s presentation took us all over the world with stories, songs and instruments from Australia, West Africa, and even here in America! Some instruments we got to see and hear were the Didgeridoo, Native American Flutes, and Drums from West Africa! They all sounded completely different, but we liked them all! All of the Museum’s guests were able to touch and play some of the exotic instruments as well as make music with Jim! Thanks again to The Dreamtime Project and we look forward to your next program! If you are interested in finding out more about The Dreamtime Project, check out their website at www.dreamtime project.com.

Holiday Wreath Sale - DEADLINE FRIDAY 11/20!!

2009-11-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Did you know the Virginia Discovery Museum sells holiday wreaths? Did you know our annual wreath sale is an important fundraising project for the Museum? In addition to being a convenient way to send gifts to friends, family, clients, or business associates, this sale is an important source of revenue for the work we do with children and families.

As part of our commitment to quality, we work with a cottage industry in Maine which creates fresh balsam fir wreaths. Send us your gift list and we take care of the rest. Wreaths can be sent to ANY location in the continental United States. Shipping & handling are included! We also offer discounts for Museum members and those purchasing more than 10 wreaths. You may also choose a pre- or post-Thanksgiving delivery schedule.

$40.75 ($38.50 for members) includes boxing, shipping, taxes, as well as a hand-signed gift card.

Compare! They don't include shipping:
Pottery Barn = $49.99
LL Bean - $55.00
Plow & Hearth - $59.95
Williams-Sonoma - $99.00

$10 PER WREATH IS A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO VDM.

For Order Forms:

Download at Virginia Discovery Museum website
Stop by the Museum, East End of the Downtown Mall, Charlottesville
Call (434) 977-1025, ext. 9

Celebrate the season and at the same time support the Museum's programs for children and their families

Ordering Deadline:
Friday, November 20

Election Day! November 3, 2009

2009-11-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Election Day and at the Virginia Discovery Museum, your vote matters!

On May 7, 2010 The Museum will be celebrating its 20th anniversary here on the Downtown Mall with birthday cake! What kind of cake should we get? This was the question kids were voting on yesterday. Their choices were:

• Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing
• White Cake with Chocolate Icing
• White Cake with White Icing

Which one would you have voted for? We had 52 children use their right to vote and the winner (by far) was chocolate with chocolate with 31 votes!

Be sure to join us on Friday, May 7th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm for our birthday celebration!

Check Out Our NEW Back Gallery Exhibition!

2009-11-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Freedom of Expression is open! Our new back gallery exhibit has several stations where you can express yourself in all kinds of ways! Protest with your own picket sign, give a speech on a soap-box, create your own t-shirt slogan, express yourself through music and instruments, or dance! Don’t forget about media – you can be on TV, write a headlining news article, or watch Arthur learn the lesson of free-speech! You can also learn how to express yourself through sign language or Braille.

Thank you to our sponsor The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression for all of your help, support, and assistance!

Freedom of Expression is open until January 10, 2010. Be sure to come check it out!

Halloween Party 2009!

2009-10-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

We had a terrific Halloween Party this last Friday. Over 60 party guests joined in the fun with face painting, cookie decorating, story telling, games, crafts and more! The creepy feel area was a huge hit as well as the spooky tattoos. Thank you to all of our volunteers, the Junior League of Charlottesville, and our helpful staff – we could not have had such an amazing party without your help!

What a cute pirate playing the Flip-Flop Organ!

That looks like a yummy cookie!

Inside the Kaleidoscope

Love the face painting!

Witch Hat Ring Toss

Gallery Volunteer Kara and our UIP Intern, Jenny are getting ready for the party!

Spooky Mini-Golf

Holiday Wreath Sale - Buy a wreath, help the Museum!

2009-09-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

(picture of actual wreath - 22" diameter)

Did you know the Virginia Discovery Museum sells holiday wreaths? Did you know our annual wreath sale is an important fundraising project for the Museum? In addition to being a convenient way to send gifts to friends, family, clients, or business associates, this sale is an important source of revenue for the work we do with children and families.

As part of our commitment to quality, we work with a cottage industry in Maine which creates fresh balsam fir wreaths. Send us your gift list and we take care of the rest. Wreaths can be sent to ANY location in the continental United States. Shipping & handling are included! We also offer discounts for Museum members and those purchasing more than 10 wreaths. You may also choose a pre- or post-Thanksgiving delivery schedule.

$40.75 ($38.50 for members) includes boxing, shipping, taxes, as well as a hand-signed gift card.

Compare! They don't include shipping:
Pottery Barn = $49.99
LL Bean - $55.00
Plow & Hearth - $59.95
Williams-Sonoma - $99.00

$10 PER WREATH IS A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO VDM.

For Order Forms:

Download at Virginia Discovery Museum website
Stop by the Museum, East End of the Downtown Mall, Charlottesville
Call (434) 977-1025, ext. 9

Celebrate the season and at the same time support the Museum's programs for children and their families

Ordering Deadline:
Friday, November 20

Dino - Ramma, Summer Mini Camp!

2009-07-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

The first 2 weeks of Dino-Ramma have been a blast here at the Virginia Discovery Museum! We had over twenty 4-6 year olds enjoing all sorts of dinosaur games and activites! The favorite, by far, has been the Plaster of Paris and sand fossil! They turned out great and the kids had a wonderful time making them!

We have learned so much about dinosaurs, including what they ate, where they lived, and why they died.

Here is a video of our dinosaur parade through the Museum! Check out our awesome T-Rex masks!

Dragons & Dynasties: Discovering Ancient China

2009-07-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

We just finished 2 of our 3 summer mini-camps about Ancient China! The kids in these camps have enjoyed activites, crafts and games which taught them about aspects of life in Ancient China. By far, the most popular activity was the Dragon Parade which we took through the Museum's galleries as a demonstration of New Year's celebrations. Not far behind was kite making and flying - because the kite was invented in China, along with several other items like dominoes, sunglasses, bells, and much more!

These kids are great cooks as well! We made fried rice one day and learned to use chop sticks! (Its was pretty hard!) We learned about the Great Wall of China and re-built it out of recycled materials!

We would like to extend a big thanks to the Oyster House in Charlottesville, VA for showing some Chinese antiques to the children and explaining all about them!

Here are some pictures of children enjoying this awesome summer camp!

Get FREE Music!

2009-06-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

For FREE downloads of music from the 2009 Discoveroo Family Music Festival, go to www.monkeyclaus.org/discoveroo. We are pleased to be joining forces with local music business Monkeyclaus to further our commitments to the community. While Monkeyclaus is providing the free music downloads, VDM is offering fabulous programming including summer camps! Swing into the Museum and visit both of us on the web!

Find us on the web at http://www.vadm.org/ or become a fan on facebook by searching Virginia Discovery Museum.

Kids On Stage, Summer Mini-Camp

2009-06-13T07:51:00.001-07:00

Our first Mini-Camp of the 2009 summer was a great success! Kids On Stage was attended by 12 wonderful 4-6 year olds. They worked very hard on all aspects of a play. We started by learning what a theatre is and about different terms used in theatre. We had a tour of the Paramount Theater and got to go back stage to see the dressing rooms, orchestra pit, and wings. Then, we walked across the stage!

The children painted their own back drop for the setting of the play, made their costumes and some of the props. We practiced lines and blocking for two days and on day three, our audience came to view the kids' hard work!

It was a wonderful performance! Good job and congratulations to the members of the cast for Kids On Stage, session I!

If you are interested in signing your child up for a summer mini-camp at the Virginia Discovery Musuem, go to our website, pick a camp, call to check availability, and send in your check today!

Four Corners of the World - New Back Gallery Exhibition

2009-06-02T09:13:00.001-07:00

Four Corners of the World
May 9 - September 13, 2009

Behold wonders of the natural world as you travel through four unique environments; the rain forest, the desert, the arctic and the ocean. Each corner has fun and educational hands-on activities for children to enteract with. In the rain forest try to find all the forest creatures hidden in the trees, in the desert make a fossil rubbing or go on a safari in the kid-sized Jeep, in the arctic pretend to be a penquin as you slide down the iceburg, and in the ocean count all the animals you see in the coral reef! There are many other activities to do as well, like dressing up as animals from all four habitats and reading books about each different area.

We hope to see you soon!

Sponsored by Peace Frogs and the David Greenewalt Charitable Trust

The results are in!

2009-05-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

The weather was perfect for running and spirits were high at Monticello High School track on Saturday, May 23rd for the Virginia Discovery Museum’s 19th annual Discovery Dash! We had 543 participants from 56 area schools, and over 60 trophies were awarded!

Our top 3 fundraisers were:
Nathan Scott $106
Keegan Scott $105
Joseph Van Storch $100

Congratulations to all of you and thank you for all your efforts!

A warm and grateful thank you to our sponsors as well!
SNL Financial
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport
The Lollipop Shop
UVa Children’s Hospital
Allied Concrete
Splendora’s Gelato
Volvo of Charlottesville
First Systems and Resources
Bob’s Wheel Alignment
The Little Gym
Charlottesville Track Club
Ragged Mountain Running Shop
Rivanna Gear and Apparel
WINA

19th Annual Discovery Dash Results are posted online at www.vadm.org.

Let's Go Green!

2009-05-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day, the Museum hosted “Let’s Go Green!”, the last Me at the Museum program for the 2008-2009 school year. Six children ages 3-7 participated in this fun and educational program which centered on ways for children to help the environment at home and in the community.

Some of the projects the children made included an egg carton caterpillar, which taught them to reuse materials in their house, a canvas tote bag to take to the grocery store or library, and a worksheet on how to pack an eco-friendly lunch with reusable containers, water bottle, silverware and napkin. A trash sorting game was played in which everyone learned how to tell what is recyclable, and we went on a nature walk to Lee Park and pointed out all the plants that were helping the atmosphere. We also discussed the way cars hurt the atmosphere and the importance of using other forms of transportation.

The Virginia Discovery Museum offers several Me at the Museum programs throughout the year on Teacher Work Days, Professional Development Days, and other days when the schools are closed. Pre-registration is required for these programs and you can register at the Museum’s front desk or by calling 434-977-1025 and asking for Michelle Staller or Kelly Smith. Registration fees are $25 members/ $30 non-members and the classes last from 9 am – 12 pm.

New Summer Hours and Summer Mini-Camps

2009-05-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Starting Tuesday, June 9th, the Virginia Discovery Museum is changing its hours for the summer. Tuesday through Saturdays from June 9th - August 21st we will be opening an hour earlier at 9 am! We will see you then!

Do not miss our awesome Summer Mini-Camps, 9 - 12 pm, Mondays through Wednesdays, this June and July! You can register by calling the Museum at (434) 977-1025, X9 and asking for Michelle. Fees are $80 for members/$100 for non-members and include all materials and snacks for the three days.

June 8-10: Kids On Stage, 4-6 year olds
June 15-17: Kids On Stage, 4-6 year olds
June 22-24: Dragons and Dynasties: Discover Ancient China, 6-8 years olds
June 29 - July 1: Dragons and Dynasties: Discover Ancient China, 4-6 year olds
July 6-8: Dragons and Dynasties: Discover Ancient China, 4-6 year olds
July 13-15: Dino-Rama, 4-6 year olds
July 20-22: Dino-Rama, 4-6 year olds
July 27-29: Dino-Rama, 6-8 year olds

We hope you register today!

Volunteer Appreciation Party, 2009

2009-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great evening at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party on Sunday, April 5, at the Museum. Fifty-two people attended and enjoyed a wonderful buffet dinner and entertainment by local musician Greg Howard on the Chapman Stick. The Museum Board contributed a delicious cake for dessert.

Attendees went home with lots of goodies – door prizes, contest prizes, and thank you gifts. We also honored ten volunteers who contributed over 100 hours in 2008. They are: Holly Connell, Susan Demas, Lionel Fernandez, Judy Goetz, Carol Hendrix, Priscilla Lepsch, Kay Moore, Jacquie Pickering, Jocelyn Saunders, and Runa Zaman. Every year volunteers donate about 5000 hours to the Museum – we couldn’t do what we do without their dedication, hard work, and support!

If you are intersted in volunteering at the Virginia Discovery Museum, contact Margie Rein for more information, (434)977-1025 X9 or vol@vadm.org.

The Discovery Dash

2009-05-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

May 23rd will be the 19th annual Discovery Dash at Monticello High School's track! Be sure to register your child today! Come by the Museum to pick up a registration form. Call Brett at 434-977-1025 x4 with questions.

"What is the Dash?" you ask. Well, the Discovery Dash is a series of races for kids ages 3-12 and their families. It started 19 years ago with a small group of runners on the downtown mall and has since grown to over 400 runners! The Monticello High School Track is now home to the Dash which welcomes over 1000 attendees. It's quite the event!

As well as the individual races, there is also the Discovery Cup School Relay. This event is very popular among the schools of Charlottesville and surrounding areas. The teams are made up of 4 students (6, 7, 8, and 9 years old) that run 1/4 mile each. The winning team takes home the coveted Discovery Cup and $200 for their school to use on new sporting equipment! The second and third place teams receive $100 and $50 prizes respectively. We hope to see you there!

This year's event is sponsored by the following

SNL Financial
UVA Children's Hospital
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport
The Lollipop Shop
Volvo of Charlottesville
Allied Concrete
First Systems
Splendora's
Charlottesville Track Club
The Little Gym
Bob's Wheel Alignment

DISCOVEROO!

2009-04-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Discovery Museum is proud to announce its first annual Discoveroo, a family music festival, happening Sunday, May 3rd at the Downtown Pavilion of Charlottesville, VA from 3-5pm. Be sure to be at the Pavilion when the gates open at 2 pm so you can enjoy all the activities we will have for you! Freckles N’ Friends entertainment will be making balloon art, Partner Juggling Theatricks will be performing, Steven Levine will be walking on his stilts, and the Museum will have a Bubble Station and noise maker craft as well as temporary tattoos for the kids! The main event for the day will start at 3 pm when Shannon Worrel takes the stage followed by In Technicolor, 6 Day Bender and Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees! Each of these local acts will be performing music expressly for children so the show will be fun for all ages! The Museum’s own Executive Director, Peppy Linden and 106.1 The Corner’s, Brad Savage will be our announcers for the day.

Several organizations will be in attendance with information, activities and more for families as well. This event is sponsored by Whole Foods, MMM Design Group, Charlottesville Parking Center, Barton Mallow, The Hook, and the City of Charlottesville as well as Alakazam, AuPair Care, Bright Beginnings Preschool, Camp Friendship, Charlottesville Day School, Exploration Play Studio, and Nature’s Child. Tickets are $5.00 for an individual and Family Passes (good for 5 people) are available for $20.00. You can purchase tickets at the Virginia Discovery Museum’s front desk or at the gate the day of the show. We hope you will be able to attend this amazing event!

The Treehouse, Grand Opening April 4, 2009

2009-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

A child enjoying the Treehouse

The George E. Moody Collection display case

On April 4, 2009 the Virginia Discovery Museum opened its newest, permanent exhibition, the Treehouse. This exhibition is sponsored by Bama Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band and the George E. Moody Exhibition Project Fund. The Treehouse includes a large hollowed out tree that is perfect for curling up in and reading one of the many books from our shelves. The walls are painted in a colorful mural of the Blue Ridge Mountains which helps provide a feeling of being in the wilderness.

Display cabinets showcase items form three of the Museum’s collections. One cabinet holds fossils and artifacts from the George E. Moody Collection. The second cabinet will rotate items from one or more of our other collections including our over 300 brass animals, model cars, modern day Nigerian items, Pueblo Indian artifacts, and dolls and puppets from around the world. Currently brass animals and model cars are on display.

This is the first permanent exhibition by our Exhibit Coordinator, Mike Clark, with help from Jenny Elmore, Kenny Platt, Jordan Bryson and Patrick Nunnally. Thank you very much to this talented team! The Virginia Discovery Museum looks forward to seeing you soon in the Treehouse!

Kid*Vention: Discover the Human Body

2009-04-01T10:06:00.002-07:00

A child decorating a tooth-fairy case

Hopper, the VDM mascot, giving a High 5 to a visitor

A child learning how to administer first aid on her stuffed animal

March 28, 2009 marked the 9th annual Kid*Vention, the Virginia Discovery Museum’s free hands-on educational science bonanza. This year’s theme was Discover the Human Body and the Key Recreation Center on Market Street was a perfect venue for the over 700 visitors who attended. Not only were there several activities, games and crafts but there were also door prizes given away every half hour to 7 lucky children! WVPT Virginia Public Radio, and Lite Rock Z95.1 partnered with the VDM to bring Kid*Vention to Charlottesville families.

Children could test their strength at the Pantops Physical Therapy table and learn exercises to stay in shape, or they could decorate their own dental goodies like a tooth-fairy tooth chest at the Children’s Density of Charlottesville table. The Western Albemarle Rescue Squad was definitely a highlight with their “Hands on Organs” activity where children put on gloves and actually touched and held pig organs!

We want to thank our sponsors; the event would not have been a success without your support! We also would like to thank the 11 organizations (listed below) who participated and exhibited in this year’s event. Together these organizations provided 70 volunteers and over 300 hours. Thank you very much!

Kid*Vention is an annual event that happens in the spring so be sure to look out for the date, theme and location of Kid*Vention 2010!

2009 Exhibitors

Alpha Phi Omega of Charlottesville
American Red Cross
Blue Ridge Poison Control
Children's Dentistry of Charlottesville
National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias
Pantops Physical Therapy
The Little Gym
UVA Children's Hospital
Virginia Chapter of the Dermatology Nurse Association
Western Albemarle Rescue Squad
WVTP

WE ARE UP AND RUNNING!

2009-03-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Discovery Museum has a blog now! This space will be used to update you about what is happening at the museum. Be sure to come back soon for updates!
http://www.vadm.org/