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PAGE 16-SUPPLEMENT TO McHENRY PLAINDEALER-WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1975 New museum offers touching exhibits SEVENTH GRADERS LEARN about color by observing changes in objects viewed through filters. They are on a field trip at the Exploratorium, a unique science museum in San Francisco that uses the principles of discovery to stimulate learning. In a Ford Foundation-supported pro­ gram, teachers are trained to apply museum-developed tech­ niques in their classrooms. Photo -- Jonathan Wilson. an unusual science ing things about their mufceum in San Francisco, senses by looking through learning is often the same lenses that reverse images, as touching. Visitors young putting on earphones that and old discover fascinat- delay the feedback of their voices, exploring in total darkness the surfaces of a "tactile gallery," and working dozens of other do-it-yourself exhibits. The place is the Explor- atorium, and in truth it is a nonmuseum. Nothing is hidden behind glass dis­ play cases, and rather than the typical "Do Not Touch" restrictions at most museums, these col­ orful exhibits beg to be touched. The only rule is one against bicycle riding in the cavernous hall that is the museum's home. Founded in 1969 by Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, today the Exploratorium is con­ sidered to be one of the country's most exciting science museums and places for learning. More than 350,000 visitors are attracted each year, and museum officials from SAFETY COUNTS In addition to being curious explorers, young children will eat and drink almost anything. Be safe and keep household prod­ ucts and medicines of all sorts out of reach and out of sight of children. Also avoid taking medication in • • WOW Look at this! "%tr. tDon's" 1 HOUR CLEANERS DRIVE UP WINDOW « $ Days Special July 31, Aug. 1 & 2 i|6© Trousers Skirts 75' Plain Dresses $ J 5® All Coats & Jackets Man's or Woman's Suit 30% Off EXCEPT LEATHERS & FURS Drapeiy Special ^ ̂ % OFF ON Finished Draperies Pleating Available WEST OF NATIONAL FOOD STORE IN THE HEART OF McHENRY 1207 N. 3rd * McHeniy, Illinois Ph. 385-2011 front of children since they tend to imitate adults. around the country come looking for ideas to take back home. In addition to being open to the general public, the Exploratorium also spon­ sors a training program to help public elementary school teachers apply in their own classrooms what they and their students learn at the Explorator­ ium. Assisted by the San Francisco Board of Edu­ cation and a grant from the Ford Foundation, the program offers training at the museum one day a week for five weeks. Later Exploratorium staff mem­ bers visit teachers in their classrooms and help build exhibits and design ac­ tivities for students. Visitors to the Explora­ torium can easily spot the many red-jacketed "Ex­ plainers" -- high school students trained and paid to talk to the public about the exhibits and answer their questions. Young people are also hired and trained as apprentices to build and maintain the many devices. COLOR ME PUCE Where there are several children in one family, or in a neighborhood, toys get mixed up and fights can occur over ownership. Designate a color for each child and mark pos­ sessions accordingly. Pick a color each child likes, be it pink, purple or puce. All ages express themselves in art OPERATING ON THE PREMISE that creativity is not just for artists, but for everyone as a way of thinking, working and living, Adelphi University's Children's Centre for Crea­ tive Arts, founded by Grace Stanistreet in 1937, has helped children and adults alike gain new insights into themselves and others through experience in art forms. WE ARE OPEN AT 6:45 A.M. for THE EARLY BIRDS We Operate all day Saturday for your Convenience By JULIE THOMPSON Director, Children's Centre for Creative Arts, Adelphi University In answer to the ques­ tion, "What is it about art forlhs that are so ap­ pealing to children?" the phrase came to thought: Inside-out! "Of course," I thought, "art forms are the first language an in­ dividual uses; the way he gives form to expression." He moves--dance. He gur­ gles--music. As he devel­ ops, he relates and mimics --acting. As soon as he can hold a pencil or crayon, he makes his mark -- art. Many people believe that art forms require skill, talent, and technique. To be professional, yes -- but as a basic, primitive mode of expression, no. Art forms are the most natu­ ral means of expression for they give form to the thoughts, images, and feel­ ings within us. To differentiate between the arts used for perform­ ance and arts used for ex­ pression, we usually refer to them as Performing Arts or Creative (expres­ sive) Arts. They area way of responding to our own or another's thought or feeling. For instance, acts of friendship are appre­ ciated no matter what words are used. If we see a need for help, we respond regardless of our native tongue, etc. Because this universal language of art is native to life itself, it can bring a new dimension to the relationship between peo­ ple: between teacher and student, parents and chil­ dren, employer and em­ ployee. When we under­ stand this gift that we all have in common (the abil­ ity to use this universal language) it can build bridges of understanding and appreciation. If we could see that the language of Creative Arts is as universal as the con­ cepts of arithmetic, we could put it to more posi­ tive use. "Creativity is not just for artists, or the gift­ ed. It's for people. It is a way of working, a way of thinking, a way of living." That is Grace Stanistreet's way of expressing it. The Children's Centre for Creative Arts at Adel­ phi University, founded by Grace Stanistreet, has been operating from this premise since its incept tion in 1937. Since that time- many children and adults have gained new insights into themselves and others through expe­ rience in art forms. Yes, the art forms are already "inside." When there is opportunity for them to come "out," life takes on a luster that in­ spires, that captures joy, that incorporates beauty as a necessity for daily life. The art forms are your native language; you don't have to learn a foreign language to communicate the beauty already within you; you only have to val­ ue this beauty and care enough to express it!