Museum set to unveil exhibit, renovation

Ran on Sunday, July 29, 2007

Museum set to unveil exhibit, renovation

By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-telegram Staff

It's a secret, much like Santa Claus, that kids are left in the dark about. While they play, they are learning.
At least that's the case when they play at the Children's Museum of Eau Claire.
Opening to the public Wednesday, and open for a members-only sneak peek Monday and Tuesday, a freshly renovated basement at the museum will be unveiled featuring a traveling exhibit, "Song of Korea."
The new lower level also includes activity rooms and an art studio.
"It's a big initiative to introduce Asian culture through children's museums," said Executive Director Suzie Slota.
The exhibit will teach kids by integrating traditional and contemporary Korean music. It will include drums, letter-writing in Korean and a typical Korean holiday celebration.
Another aspect of the exhibit will teach children how animal sounds are made in Korea through the song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm."
The traveling exhibit, in EauClaire until October, was funded through a grant from the Freeman Foundation. Exhibit costs range from $30,000 to more than $100,000, Slota said.
Slota said the museum has received feedback that it should teach children about non-native cultures and traditions.
Rob Anderson and his 6-year-old daughter, Madilyn, of Eau Claire visited the museum Wednesday. Madilyn said she likes to go to the museum to play but doesn't recognize she's learning.
"I don't think (kids) understand they're learning," Rob Anderson said. "I think that's how (the museum) set it up. It's intentional."
Rob Anderson plans to bring his daughter back to the new exhibit so she can continue to be exposed to diversity.
The family recently moved from the Twin Cities area. Rob said the museum will be one way to help his daughter become more familiar and comfortable with other cultures.
The lower level renovation at the museum, which is 2 1/2 years old, is part of an anticipated expansion, Slota said. When the museum opened in December 2004 in the old Woolworth's store, the main floor was used with hopes to later use the basement and second story. "We were young, inexperienced and idealistic," she said.
Funding issues put the multi-level dreams on hold. Since then, more than 700 families have become members. Plans for more renovations on the second floor will be discussed this fall. The theme for the second floor hasn't been determined.
The lower level adds 3,300 square feet of space to the museum, including space for exhibits, offices and rooms to be used for classes and birthday parties.
So far, $700,000 of the $1.1 million to renovate the basement of the 1940s building has been raised. Most of the money came from fundraisers and donations. A new stairwell and elevator were included in the cost.
After the "Song of Korea" leaves in October, plans for a hands-on exhibit featuring water will begin.
Slota is confident future fundraising efforts will be successful.
"As soon as word gets out that we're in need (of funding) and helping the community, people will step forward," Slota said. "We work really hard to be a quality museum and be good stewards of the money the community has given to us."
Slota said she hoped the momentum the museum has built will help bring in funds needed to expand.
Schmidt can be reached at 833-9203 or keighla. schmidt@ecpc.com.