In Residence: July 1-September 1, 2019
Whions and turroos and octomoose, oh my!
Join artist-in-residence Scott Larrabee in a summer of creative collaboration. Visitors are confronted with the outlines of mixed-up animals in this exhibit and challenged to help finish these fantastical beasts. Over the course of eight weeks, animals evolve through visitors’ imagination and design ingenuity.
Families are encouraged to return throughout the summer to contribute to the growth of the Museum’s madcap menagerie and watch the changes these creatures undergo on a daily basis.
What You’ll Do:
- Walk through the mouth of a whion (whale+lion), slide down an elester (elephant + rooster) and manipulate the legs and eyes of an octamoose
- Define … and redefine the look and personality of these imaginary animals
- Gain a sense of personal achievement by contributing to a larger collaborative art project.
- Decide what these creatures need to survive in their environments. Should their coloring be neon-bright or camouflage? Are their hides soft or scaly?
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." -- Maya Angelou
Creature Features
The hybrid creatures that surround visitors in Mash-up Menagerie aren’t real, but each of these crazy creatures originates from animals found in nature. As a complement to our creative exploration of animals, visitors can learn about the distinct characteristics of the animal world.
Skulls and Teeth – July 1, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27 and August 1
Learn to identify the skulls of omnivores, herbivores, or carnivores and the important role that beaks play as you make your own bird beak.
Skin and Scales – July 2, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28 and August 2
Discover facts about the protective layer of an animal’s body that keeps the insides in and the outsides out! Design your own defensive gear including chameleon skin.
Scat and Poop – July 3, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29 and August 3
Scientists have made important discoveries by uncovering the scoop on poop. Learn to identify the animals around us by exploring what they leave behind.
Paws and Claws – July 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30
Track down animals by examining paw prints and comparing differences in size, width and toes. Make your own animal print and look at how your “paw” differs from other animals.
Fur and Feathers - July 6, 11, 16, 21, 26 and 31
Explore the protective aspects of animal coverings and what you can learn by their coloring and texture. Create environments for birds and mammals and make your own fur or feather patterns.
Help create mixed-up, mashed-up, madcap creatures all summer long. Watch them adapt and grow thanks to your imagination.