Tag Archives: museum

So Cool At COSI

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So Cool At COSI

Howdy! This past week, I took a trip to COSI which is a really cool interactive science museum in Columbus. It features exhibits that wow children and adults alike that include a trip to outer space, a dive under the sea, walking with the dinosaurs, and so much more. COSI also has pop up exhibits that change throughout the year and I was able to see an amazing section on sharks just in time before its removal on September first. This museum is so educational but extremely cool and it makes learning something new feel like play. Such a great way to spend an afternoon! Check it out:

Wayyyyyyy back in eighth grade, my class took a trip to COSI and I will never forget being so awestruck by the Ocean exhibit and my sentiments remain the same. As you walk through the hallway leading up to it, you can literally smell the chlorine and you just know you are in for something awesome! Entering the Ocean portion of COSI is like walking through a sunken ship and you can go one of two ways. Your first option is to visit a submarine headquarters where you can play games that allow you to control a submarine and explore the depths of the ocean. The second way to go, though, is truly the piece de resistance.

Option number two leads you into King Triton’s cavern and it is seriously breathtaking. From floor to ceiling is a huge statue of King Triton in a fountain that lets you control the water. It is just so spectacular and I could have stood there looking at it all day. Throughout the glistening cavern are different interactive activities that explore the movement and sound of water. You can balance balls on the tiniest geysers, make waves, create your own flow of water through pipes, and my personal favorite: The water bell. The water bell is a flow of cascading water that looks like… a bell lol. The cool thing is that after you put your hand through the bell, it no longer gets wet. My mind was blown!

Another major highlight of the trip was the dinosaur exhibit that reminds me so much of the Animal Crossing museum! The dino display is gigantic and showcases to scale dinosaur skeletons, fossils, eggs, feathers, footprints, and anything dinosaur related you can possibly think of. The dinosaur exhibit also features a portion specific to the relation of dinosaurs and birds as well as under the sea creatures. It explores taking flight, motion, hide or feathers, and skeletal structure. It was incredibly interesting and the similarities felt so obvious after all of it was laid out before you. I also really appreciated the way the explanations at COSI were written. While all of the information you see has scientific terms, the signage breaks it down into plain speak so you can fully grasp everything. I certainly learned a lot from all of the literature in each exhibit.

My final favorite part of COSI was an exhibit simply entitled Progress. I also remember this one from my eighth grade field trip! As you enter Progress, you step back in time to a bustling street in 1898. You can see all of the latest technology of the time like old fashioned cameras, telegram machines, and telephones as well as all of the different shops including an apothecary, general store, and hardware store. Once you are ready to time travel again, you leave 1898 and revisit the same street in 1962. My, how the times have changed!

In 1962, the street has completely transformed. There is a retro diner, a radio station, news station, and telephone booth. You can see vintage toys and games, food staples, magazines, and even an old time rocket ride outside of the toy store. My favorite part of 1962 was the appliance store because I absolutely love that style. There were funky refrigerators, blenders, radios, and huge box televisions. What a far cry from 1898!

What a fun little road trip to COSI. I can’t recommend it enough if you are in the area!

Do you have a museum similar to COSI in your neck of the woods? What is your favorite thing to learn about? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Summer To Do List

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Summer To Do List

Hello! I would not call myself a summer gal in the slightest but I have been having a lot of fun in the sun this season and I am beginning to see its merits lol. Days at the park with my nieces, baseball games, mine and Johnny’s little getaway, and a trip to the Cleveland Zoo have definitely inspired me to live it up. Summer is not even close to being done yet and there is still so much that I would like to do before the best season, fall, falls upon us! For that reason, I created a To Do List of the outings that are a must for me to continue making this summer one of the best ones yet:

Something that I have wanted to do for a long time is visit the Cleveland Museum Of Illusions. It is fairly new to the area and my Facebook has been bombarded with ads for it. Hey, it worked because they are extremely enticing! This museum is fully interactive and creates amazing optical illusion photo ops for yourself and friends. Yes, I may or may not be most encouraged by the photo ops but I am a content creator after all! From vortex tunnels, reverse rooms, tilted rooms, Beuchut chairs, and even a head on a platter illusion – this place has got it all. I cannot WAIT to explore it!

It was a wonderful treat to see the setup for the incredible Asian Lantern Festival during my last trip to the Cleveland Zoo. It is such a beautiful park but the piece de resistance in my general neck of the woods has got to be the Columbus Zoo. I have only been one time over a decade ago and it was amazing from start to finish. The park was huge, they had countless animals you couldn’t see in Cleveland or Akron, and a lot of ways to interact with animals through feeding times or hopping on the back of a camel! I have wanted to take the trip to Columbus for a while and that urge only grew greater from, you guessed it, Facebook ads lol. The Columbus Zoo also hosts an Asian Lantern Festival and from what I’ve seen while scrolling through The Book, it is the Cleveland Festival on steroids. It will certainly make for a fantastic day trip!

Facebook ads, you have done it again lol. I have been aware of Akron Glass Works for a while and have always fancied taking a workshop there for a totally unique craft to display. I really do think phones read your mind because one of the ads on my newsfeed was for Akron Glass Works’ fall pumpkin workshop. It is their most popular class and for good reason – the end result looks absolutely fabulous! During a field trip in grade school to an interactive historic village, they had a glass blowing setup and my mind was simply blown by it. Young and old Sarah are going to be most excited to finally give it a go. 😀

For my Summer To Do List, I wanted to find activities that are fully possible to go to as well as relatively cost effective. If I can do these three things before summer is out, I will be a very happy Lil Red indeed!

What is on your summer to do list? What has been the best part of your summer so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

How To Integrate Art & Culture Into Your Life

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How To Integrate Art & Culture Into Your Life

It’s no secret that art and culture can have a profound impact on our lives. But what does it mean to integrate art and culture into your life? And why is it important? In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of art and culture in our lives and offer some practical tips on how to integrate them into your everyday life. So whether you’re a die-hard museum-goer or just looking to add a little more creativity to your life, then let’s get to it:

The Importance of Art and Culture:

Art and culture play an important role in our lives – they can enrich our experience of the world, help us to understand other cultures, and give us a sense of identity and belonging. There are many ways in which we can integrate art and culture into our lives. Some of the benefits of doing so include:

  1. Enhancing our creativity and imagination.
  2. Broadening our perspective and understanding of different cultures.
  3. Nurturing our emotional well-being.
  4. Connecting us with our community.

Making Time for Art and Culture:

In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and appreciate the arts. But making time for art and culture is important not only for our own enjoyment but also for the health of our communities. Set aside a little time each week specifically for enjoying art and culture. Whether it’s an hour at the museum or thirty minutes of listening to local bands, pencil it into your calendar. If you have trouble making time for art and culture on a regular basis, try turning it into a habit. Pick one day each week or month to visit a gallery or attend a performance. After a while, it will become second nature. Check out the Frederica Wald blog to find new ideas and info on exhibits.

Your home can also be a reflection of your favorite art through your decor. Showcase beautiful prints and paintings on your walls and swap them out as often as you would like. It can be like your own personal gallery! To find inspiration for the next art installation in your home you can browse sites like aboriginal-art-australia.com for unique pieces that will instantly transform your space. 

Finding Art and Culture in Everyday Life:

You don’t have to go out of your way to enjoy art and culture – sometimes, it can be found right in your everyday life. Here are a few examples:

  • Take a different route: When you’re running errands or heading to work, take a different route than usual and see what new sights you can find. You may stumble upon a hidden mural or an interesting storefront that you never would have noticed before.
  • Talk to your neighbors: Get to know the people who live near you and ask about their favorite places to see art or experience culture in your city or town.
  • Check out local events: Most cities and towns have regular events that showcase local artists and performers. Keep an eye out for flyers or check online calendars to see what’s happening near you. Why not look into more about your local art and culture scene from those who know it best like Scott Lieberman? You might just find some fascinating new experiences.

Art and culture are important aspects of our lives that can have a positive impact on our well-being. By making the most of the tips above, you can enrich your life and experience the world in new and meaningful ways!

Featured Image By: Pxhere

Where To Look For Artistic Inspiration

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Where To Look For Artistic Inspiration

If you’re feeling blocked creatively, it can be helpful to seek out inspiration from other artists. But where do you find it? And once you’ve found it, how do you use it to create your own art? Let’s explore some of the best places to look for artistic inspiration and offer some tips on how to make the most of it:

Art Galleries:

Art galleries are a great place to start your search for artistic inspiration. There are usually several different artists featured in each gallery, giving you a wide range of styles and mediums to choose from. You can also ask the gallery attendant about the artist’s process and what inspired them to create their work. Check out the best exhibits from women chosen by Frederica Wald.

Museums:

Museums are another excellent source of inspiration, especially if you’re interested in historical art or want to learn more about a specific artist or movement. Many museums offer tours led by knowledgeable staff who can provide insights into the artwork on display.

Photography:

Photography can be a great way to get inspired, especially if you’re looking for ideas for a new project or want to explore a different style of art. There are many different types of photography, from landscape and portraiture to still life and abstract, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

Film:

Film is another medium that can be very inspiring, particularly if you’re interested in storytelling or visual effects. Watching films from different genres and eras can give you a new perspective on your own work, and you may even find yourself borrowing some of the techniques used by your favorite directors.

Nature:

Nature is one of the most popular sources of inspiration for artists, as it provides an endless array of colors, textures, and forms to explore. Whether you’re taking a walk in the park or exploring a new city, keep your eyes open for interesting patterns and shapes that could be incorporated into your work.

How to Use Inspiration:

Experimentation:

When you find something that inspires you, it’s important to experiment with it and see what you can create. Don’t be afraid to try new things or to fail. The more you experiment, the more likely you are to find something that works for you.

Be Open-Minded:

It’s also important to be open-minded when looking for inspiration. You never know where you’ll find it, so it’s important to keep an open mind. Who knows? Maybe your next great idea will come from something completely unexpected.

Take Your Time:

Finally, don’t rush the process. Inspiration can strike at any time, but it’s often not something that can be forced. If you’re feeling stuck, take a break and come back later with fresh eyes. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of time and patience.

For an artist, there can be inspiration everywhere you look. However, sometimes people can get stuck. Take the time to explore art hubs in your area and you might have an aha moment for your next great work!

Featured Image By: Pxhere