Sometimes, it's the little things...

Often when we think of a museum's service to the public, we think big (tours, programs, special events) or easy access (friendly, informed staff or a wheelchair near the door).  At the Spurlock Museum, though, we have been thinking about the small things lately.  We're having a new paper towel dispenser installed in the ladies room today, to replace one that seems to malfunction on a daily basis.  We added a second trash can to the entrance area, as we get lots of potential students and their parents in the Museum for morning presentations given by University Admissions, and they all seem to finish their coffee or their breakfast muffin as they walk in the door. 

Making an impression happens in all parts of our building.  It's good to stop and think like a visitor from time to time and figure out where we can make the little improvements that make the big, positive impression.

Opening Reception - Outlandish Adventures: Works by Benjie Heu

Starting Feb. 10, Parkland Art Gallery will host a solo exhibition of works by Benjie Heu, professor of ceramics at Southeast Missouri State University.

An artist reception takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 with a gallery talk by Heu at 7 p.m. and music by the Parkland College Guitar Ensemble. The artist will provide an additional lecture in Parkland’s S building on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11 am.

Heu has an MFA from Ohio University and a BFA from the University of Montevallo. He maintains an active exhibition record of solo, group, juried, and invitational exhibitions. Recent exhibitions include Taiwan Ceramics Biennale at the Yingge Ceramics Museum in New Taipei City; Craftsmanship: Concept: Innovation: Red Clay National at the Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge, Montana; and a solo exhibition at Craft Alliance in St. Louis.

Parkland Art Gallery’s spring hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Saturday, noon–2 p.m. The gallery will be closed on March 28 and 29 for Parkland’s spring holiday.

To find the gallery when classes are in session, we suggest using the M6 parking lot on the north corner of the campus. Enter through any door and follow the ramps uphill to the highest point of the first floor, where the gallery is located. The gallery windows overlook the outdoor fountain area.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Parkland is a section 504/ADA-compliant institution. For accommodation, call 217/351-2505.

Outlandish Adventures: Works by Benjie Heu

Starting Feb. 10, Parkland Art Gallery will host a solo exhibition of works by Benjie Heu, professor of ceramics at Southeast Missouri State University.

An artist reception takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 with a gallery talk by Heu at 7 p.m. and music by the Parkland College Guitar Ensemble. The artist will provide an additional lecture in Parkland’s S building on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11 am.

Heu has an MFA from Ohio University and a BFA from the University of Montevallo. He maintains an active exhibition record of solo, group, juried, and invitational exhibitions. Recent exhibitions include Taiwan Ceramics Biennale at the Yingge Ceramics Museum in New Taipei City; Craftsmanship: Concept: Innovation: Red Clay National at the Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge, Montana; and a solo exhibition at Craft Alliance in St. Louis.

Parkland Art Gallery’s spring hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Saturday, noon–2 p.m. The gallery will be closed on March 28 and 29 for Parkland’s spring holiday.

To find the gallery when classes are in session, we suggest using the M6 parking lot on the north corner of the campus. Enter through any door and follow the ramps uphill to the highest point of the first floor, where the gallery is located. The gallery windows overlook the outdoor fountain area.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Parkland is a section 504/ADA-compliant institution. For accommodation, call 217/351-2505.

Thinking Spring

I think the only thing getting me through this awful cold spell is working on warm-weather events.  Most museums have to set their event dates months, if not years in advance, so right now I am planning for a summer family afternoon program on ancient Rome, our spring WorldFest event, which celebrates performances from around the world, and the possible arrival of two weavers from Guatemala this fall.  My office is still freezing cold, but my brain is keeping nice and warm!

SKYWATCHERS OF AFRICA RETURNS TO THE PLANETARIUM DOME

 

The William M. Staerkel Planetarium will open the spring semester public schedule with the return of an old show.  "Skywatchers of Africa" was originally produced by the Adler Planetarium and premiered on the Staerkel dome in the late 1990's.   It will return to the dome beginning January 17 and show at 8pm on Friday and Saturday nights until the end of February.  Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students, seniors and kids, all sold at the door. 

 

"When a planetarium illustrates sky stories, they are typically Greek, Roman, or Native American," says Dave Leake, director of the planetarium.   "It is refreshing to hear a few stories from the African continent."   In addition to the mythology, we also learn how different African cultures used the sky for telling directions or realizing the day of the year.   The Egyptians, Youruba, Nabta, Tuareg, and Dogon people are all featured in the show. 

 

The program was originally produced in 35mm slide format.  The images were scanned and fulldome clips added to convert the program to the digital fulldome format. 

 

For a full schedule of planetarium programs, call 217-351-2446 or see www.parkland.edu/planetarium.