State Museum Outlines Programs
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana State Museum plans to spend February focusing on arts, culture and science. The Indianapolis venue has scheduled three weekend festivals dealing with Hoosier African-American history, Indiana art and fossils, gems and minerals. The museum is also looking for more volunteers. January 7, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Three consecutive weekend festivals, centered on culture, art and science will take place at the Indiana State Museum this coming February. Sankofa: Black Heritage Festival, Indiana Art Fair and GeoFest are museum-produced events centered on worldwide experiences.
“We are excited to offer three fun-filled festivals in the middle of winter to families feeling cabin fever,” said Indiana State Museum Program Manager Carrie Miller. “Sankofa celebrates Hoosier African-American history and culture. Indiana Art Fair showcases emerging and well-know Hoosier artisans and GeoFest attracts lovers of fossils, gems and minerals.”
Sankofa is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature choral music, contemporary and African dance, educational films, storytelling, art activities and more. One of the more popular attractions to the festival is the annual Community Organizations Fair, which features more than 20 businesses and organizations. Sankofa includes admission to the O'Bannon Great Hall. Museum galleries require ticket purchase.
Indiana Art Fair kicks off with an evening of art, food and drink on Friday, Feb. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Valentine's Day guests will enjoy live music, a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres as they preview artwork by more than 60 Hoosier artists representing 21 counties. Admission is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Guests may also make dinner reservations in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room. The cost of the dinner is $120 per couple. Friday night attendees may redeem their tickets for free entry on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. artists will return to the fair selling fine, functional and funky art.
The museum's annual fossil, gem and mineral show GeoFest will take place February 21, 22 and 23. Experts and vendors from throughout the country will showcase fossils, gems and minerals as attendees enjoy hands-on geology activities and win geo-prizes. Attendees will explore the museum's natural history galleries and shop for their own unique geo-treasures. GeoFest is included with museum admission. Group rates are available. School group and home school group reservations are required to receive the $1/student admission fee.
Learn more about these festivals by visiting indianamuseum.org . To order tickets or register for dinner, please call 317.232.1637. Interested in being a Geofest vendor? Please contact Peggy Fisherkeller at 317.232.7172 or pfisherkeller@indianamuseum.org.The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana's museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana's story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture.Source: Indiana State MuseumNews Release
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Museum Docent Program is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to apply for the spring 2014 class. Applications are due on Friday, Feb. 7.
“Candidates selected for this program will participate in a rewarding, comprehensive training led by our curatorial and education staff. Docents may serve as tour guides, instructors and mentors to other volunteers, program presenters and much more,” said Indiana State Museum Manager of Volunteer Services Jane Runge Darlage.
Candidates will be required to attend a weekly session on Saturdays from 8 to 12 p.m., beginning March 1. Sessions will last 10 weeks. Once training is complete, docents are required to perform 150 volunteer hours per year.
“Our docents are highly trained to be valuable contributors to the guests' experience in the museum and an integral part of the museum's education program,” Runge Darlage added.
Program highlights:
• Docents will take part in specialized continuing education opportunities
• Docents will become volunteer leaders in our galleries, public tours and programs
• Docents have strong public speaking skills and an ability to interact comfortably with groups
• No special academic background is required, but a strong desire to study and learn about Indiana's science and culture is essential
• Participants must be at least 21 years of age
• Docents receive all the benefits given to every Indiana State Museum volunteer, including museum membership and free parking
For more information on the docent program or to receive an application, please contact the Volunteer Center at 317.650.9589. You may also email your request to: khuys@indianamuseum.org. The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana's museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana's story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture.
Source: Indiana State Museum