October 14, 2011
DISCOVERY 2011 celebrates the creative and inquisitive young spirits who attended Discovery summer camps this summer at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The exhibit opens today through December 10, 2011.
Over eight weeks, 300 campers learned about the Colorado Plateau’s diverse ecosystems, world-famous geology, and rich cultural history. Most importantly, they developed deep connections with the region. These connections are clear in the artwork and science projects showcased in this exhibit, from this year’s campers.
“We are really proud of our campers’ accomplishments,” says Discovery Manager Caitlin Evans. “Each week, campers discover more about themselves and their surrounding environment. You can see our campers’ enthusiasm in the photographs and projects from this summer. I hope that they feel proud of their work and that their enthusiasm for exploring rubs off on our visitors.”
Now in its second year, the DISCOVERY 2011 exhibit includes student photography, recycled art, ceramic pieces, excerpts from field notebooks, photographs from field trips, archaeological excavations, and watercolor paintings.
A watercolor painting by camper Caitlin B. depicts Newberry, one of the classrooms in Discovery Village, the summer camp’s new location this year on the Museum’s campus.
The classroom buildings came from the Museum’s Research Center and were moved to their current location in 2009 and 2010. Now located next to the Colton Community Garden and in direct view of the San Francisco Peaks, these new classrooms will provide a unique learning environment for Discovery summer campers for years to come.
Museum Director Dr. Robert Breunig added, “The unique character of the buildings at Discovery Village provides a summer environment that we hope will be remembered by campers for the rest of their lives. Named after famous linguists, archaeologists, and researchers, each building is steeped in local and Museum history. We hope Discovery campers will be inspired to continue learning about the region, becoming tomorrow’s leading researchers and artists.”
The Discovery Program encourages students to collaboratively and individually contribute to the investigation and interpretation of the Colorado Plateau, their homeland.
The Museum of Northern Arizona is surrounded by tremendous geological, biological, and cultural resources in one of Earth’s most spectacular landscapes. With a long and illustrious history, MNA evokes the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau, inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the area.
The Museum is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff, at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on scenic Highway 180. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors (65+), $5 students, and $4 children (7–17).