Support the Orpheum Children's Science Museum

Don't miss the Corkscrew Gala Wine Tasting, benefiting the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, to be held at the Urbana Civic Center on September 29, 2011 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The warm autumn evening will make the perfect setting for sampling more than 100 offerings by some 20 vendors featuring select vineyards from around the world. Area food vendors will provide a light fare as David Howie returns to fill the air with the gentle strains of his acoustic guitar. Wine preorders will be available at the event, along with a fine selection of beers. A percentage of wine sales as well as all other proceeds directly benefit our community through funding programs at the Orpheum Children's Science Museum.

You'll also enjoy bidding on hand-selected auction items that come from both wine vendors and many of your favorite local establishments. Unique and original items will be available for auction only at the gala including an event rental in the Orpheum Theatre and a Night at the Museum birthday package.

Purchase your tickets at the door, in advance at the Museum, at Corkscrew (cash or checks), or online at http:/ocsmwine.eventbrite.com. Please note that you must be 21 years or older to enter.

2nd Annual MAC Educator’s Open House

The Museums at the Crossroads (MAC) hosted their 2nd annual Educator’s Open House last night at the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. Educators from all over the county were invited to come discover what the eleven Champaign County museums had to offer. Representatives from each museum presented exciting ways to enhance curriculums through their programs, resources, and other services.

Over two dozen educators participated in the event. Many walked out with amazing door prizes including: museum memberships, free school programs, honey tastings, gift shop discounts, and even a hand crafted vase from a Parkland student. MAC plans to host another open house next year, in hopes of raising more awareness of the museums’ educational resources and helping teachers make the most of what is available to their students.

Be sure to look though our interactive calendar of events http://www.m-crossroads.org/pages/calendar.html  for more opportunities to get involved with your local museums!

NEW ART EXHIBIT AT THE ANITA PURVES NATURE CENTER!

The Anita Purves Nature Center is pleased to present “Communicating Nature”, a varying exhibit of multimedia from colored pencil to collage, that runs from September 10-November 30, 2011. The exhibit and artist reception are free and open to the public.

Opening Artist Reception,
Saturday September 10, 1-3pm at the
Anita Purves Nature Center,
1505 N. Broadway in Urbana.

The artists in this exhibition participated in the Allerton, Emiquon, Rivers, and Sangamon Corridor Corps of Discovery. The mission of the Corps is to provide an aesthetic documentation of the natural beauty and history of Illinois Rivers and their associated landscapes, through writing, photography, sketching, and painting.

Here the artists share their interpretations of what they have experienced—their discoveries of the landforms and life forms of the diverse prairies, rivers, wetlands, backyards, and agricultural lands of Illinois.

The Anita Purves Nature Center is open Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00pm and Saturday 9:00-4:00pm. For more information about the exhibit or nature center call (217) 384-4062.