Clay Center announces plans for exhibit space to museum; gift shop closing
Release Date:
5/7/2010 3:00:00 PM
Dateline (city):
Charleston
Contact:
Katrina Harmon
kharmon@theclaycenter.org
Clay Center announces plans for exhibit space to museum; gift shop closing
(Charleston, W.Va.) 5/7/10 – The Clay Center is expanding exhibit space and closing the gift shop to meet patrons’ needs.
“In an effort to respond to visitors’ request for change in our galleries, we have decided to convert the gift shop space into a changing exhibit gallery. The success of the Lost Kingdoms of the Nile exhibit has shown us the positive impact that a temporary exhibit can have on our attendance and the visitor experience,” said Judy Wellington, Clay Center president and CEO. “The staff of the gift shop has made great improvements to the shop over the last three years. However, it is not financially feasible to move the gift shop to a new location.”
Wellington said the renovated space will be used for self-contained exhibits. “This gives us an opportunity to focus on our strength and to further our mission,” said Wellington. “Adding a new exhibit gallery also will give us additional opportunities for the synergy among exhibits, films planetarium shows, lectures, performances and workshops that was so effective in providing an outstanding learning experience during the Lost Kingdoms of the Nile exhibit.”
Remodeling will begin in July, and the first exhibit is anticipated to be unveiled in mid-October. A complete lineup of exhibits will be announced at a later date. The gift shop will be having a sale through June 27.
The new exhibit space will be included with gallery admission, which is free for members or just $7 for adults and $5.50 for children. For information on upcoming events at the Clay Center, visit www.theclaycenter.org, or call 304-561-3570.