Public Programs and Events

Experience extraordinary science shows in the Cavern of Time located in Earth City. Milton's Marvels of Science gives visitors an opportunity to see LIVE science demonstrations! These demos cover a variety of topics ranging from physics and chemistry to earth science and biology.

All activities are included in gallery admission which is FREE for museum members or just $7 for adults and $5.50 for children.

Shows Wednesday - Sunday at 1, 2 & 3 pm in Earth City’s Cavern of Time

July 2010
Backyard Exploration
Join us as we venture into an amazing wildlife habitat - your backyard! Come learn about the fascinating plants and animals that have made your home into their home.

August 2010
Can You Paint With All the Colors?
Travel back in time to learn how paints were made, how to mix colors, and some basics of painting. Bring your creativity for our painting challenge!

September 2010
Stuffee’s Kitchen
Meet Stuffee, our larger than life mascot, as he helps us discover the inner workings of our bodies and how to keep them healthy.

October 2010
Dr. Frankenstein’s Electrifying Science Lab
Get ready for a shocking good time as we explore the science of electricity using circuits, giant light bulbs, and more!

sponsored by: MedExpress www.medexpress.com

Join us in the classrooms on the second Saturday of each month from 12 – 4 pm for a series of fun-filled, hands-on art and science experiences. This all-new program will feature a wide variety of topics ranging from animals to jewelry! All activities are included in gallery admission which is FREE for museum members or just $7 for adults and $5.50 for children.

Summer Whirligigs
August 14
Have some swirling, twirling fun as you make your own spinning creations.

Reptile Meet and Greet
September 11
Stop by and say hello to our special reptilian guests for the day – snakes and turtles!

Texture Rubbings
October 9
Use colorful crayons and a variety of textured materials to create an original work of art.

Stabile Structures
November 13
Use your engineering skills, construction paper and recycled materials to create a mini-sculpture in the style of Albert Paley.

Step out of the classroom and into a world of fun with our After School Explorers Club. Designed for students in grades 2 – 6, workshops take place on Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 pm, and include a science

demonstration, hands-on experiments and activities for just $12 for museum members or $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Call (304) 561–3529 for more information!

Decomposer Discovery: Nature’s Garbage Disposals
September 23
Come out and meet the FBI – Fungi, Bacteria, and Insects. Dead plants, dead animals, even animal waste – they break it down and recycle it.

Ready, Set, GOAL!!
October 7
Science abounds while playing sports! Get in the game and discover how biology, physics and chemistry create a winning team!

Kid vs. Wild
October 21
Meet us at the pool parking lot at Kanawha State Forest for this adventurous workshop all about outdoor survival.

Gallery Quest
November 4
Learn to read a map and put your skills to the test to find the hidden science gallery treasure!

My Inner Workings
November 18
Learn all about the various systems, how they work together, and conduct some fun experiments to discover the processes of the world within us.

Construction Junction, What's the Function?
December 2
Investigate alternative building materials and use unusual supplies to create structures that perform specific functions!

Cancellation Policy – To receive full refund or credit toward a future workshop, registrant must provide notification of cancellation a minimum of one week prior to workshop date, or start date if workshop is part of a series or camp. Certain exceptions may apply.

Discover new educational opportunities for adults at the Clay Center! Call (304) 561-3517 for more information or to register today.

Take advantage of these open studio sessions taking place in the Clay Center art gallery on Wednesday evenings this August. August 4 we will find inspiration from works on display in the gallery. August 11 will focus on a large still life. The final session will feature a live, clothed model to sketch. Some supplies provided, but participants are invited to bring their own drawing tools and paper as well. Session leader will be on hand to offer advice and suggestions.

Outclass the Competition - Business Etiquette Seminar
with Loren Smith
Saturday, August 21, 9 am -noon
Fee: $20

Loren Smith, International Corporate Etiquette and Protocol Consultant, is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington. Ms. Smith’s seminar will provide you with the tools necessary to enhance your professional skills and give you an advantage in the business arena. From introductions and cultural awareness to mingling and more, learn how to distinguish yourself from the competition. All supplies provided.

Figure Drawing
with Susan Petryszak

Saturday, October 23, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $25 for Clay Center members; $35 for non-members

The human figure has inspired artists for centuries! Join popular instructor Susan Petryszak and learn to draw from a live (clothed) model. Participants will utilize a variety of artistic media, including working with a little color, during the session. All skill levels are invited – from the beginner to the more advanced hoping to brush up on their skills. All materials provided; space limited.

Art & Science of West Virginia Wine

Tuesdays, November 2, 9 & 16, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Fee: $45 for Clay Center members; $55 for non-members

West Virginia is fortunate to have many wonderful vineyards. Join us as three West Virginia vineyard owners discuss their wine making process with a wine tasting to follow. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about one of our state’s lesser known industries.

The Art and Science of Beer

with Rich Ireland

Saturday, November 20, 12 – 4 pm

Fee: $35 for Clay Center members; $45 for non-members

Join local beer expert Rich Ireland for an afternoon of fun and learning! In addition to learning about beer ingredients, styles and the brewing process, participants will learn about the fascinating history of beer – from ancient times to the New World. And, of course, there will be tasting and evaluation of a variety of beers.

Holiday Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Saturday, December 4, 10 am to 2 pm
Fee: $90 for Clay Center members; $100 for non-members (includes lunch)
Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Certified Wine Professional Sam Uppala will conduct this session, exploring the Champagne and other sparkling wines from around the world. A challenging course intended to be a great deal of fun. A three course lunch will follow the discussion.

Sparkle & Sing: Using the Senses to Brighten Your Writing
with Colleen Anderson

Tuesday & Thursday, December 7 & 9, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Fee: $45 for Clay Center members; $55 for non-members

Bring paper, pen or even your laptop to our writing workshop with Colleen Anderson. Come prepared to do some directed writing, discuss writing in a safe, supportive environment and participants can even share their work if they wish. Colleen’s workshops emphasize improvement through encouragement and gentle guidance.

Taylor Books, Capitol Street
Join the Clay Center and Taylor Books for an evening of fun and discussion! This all-new program features guest presenters covering a variety of science-related topics in an open forum format, with plenty of time for discussion and Q & A.

We invite you to kick back and relax with a cup of Joe and enjoy!

Marshall University Engineers Without Borders:
Earth Dam for Irrigation in Zambia, Africa
Tuesday, July 27, 6 – 7 pm
Learn how science and engineering can really make a difference! Food shortages during the annual dry season in Simwatachela, Zambia lead to chronic hunger and poor nutrition among the approximately 5,000 residents of this community. Marshall University’s recently-formed Engineers Without Borders student group has been selected to design and build a small dam in Simwatachela to increase the availability of irrigation water. This project will allow farmers to expand the variety of crops grown, help alleviate malnutrition among villagers, and provide real-world design experience for engineering students from West Virginia.

Energy Efficiency:
Lighting to Renewable Energy
With Gene Coccari, WV Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality
Tuesday, September 28, 6 – 7 pm
Join us as we discuss energy efficiency – from hands-on activities with light bulbs to compact fluorescent safety concerns to alternative energy resources – this interactive presentation will address a variety of issues and topics. Renewable energy resources discussed will include geothermal, wind, hydro and solar. Take-home information will also be available to participants. Organic Farming
With Julie Schaer
Tuesday, November 16, 6 – 7 pm
More information coming soon!

Friday, October 1, 6:30 – 8 pm

Perfect for families or individuals!

Cost: $5/per person or $15/family (limit 4 family members) Note: All payments must be received by September 27; Registration deadline: September 24

Meet us at Kanawha State Forest for a special evening enjoying the outdoors. We’ll meet some native critters, have a campfire and even enjoy some s’mores! Program will take place rain or shine. Call (304) 561-3508 for more details or to register.

Join the Clay Center at the Capitol Market on the second Saturday of each month between 10 am and noon for a fun-filled art or science activity! Second Saturdays are a great chance to have fun with the whole family and see all that Capitol Market has to offer. Activities are ongoing and free to the general public.
If your school or organization wants a fun on–site activity for your next event, check out our outreach programs. We can tailor a program to fit any audience and budget! Call (304) 561-3555 to find out how to bring the excitement to you!

Join us for this FREE monthly lecture series featuring community presenters and a wide variety of topics. Programs usually last 40 - 45 minutes.

Appalachian Herbals for Health: How They Work and How They Can Hurt (Potential Herb-Drug Interactions)
with Dr. Rebecca Linger
Wednesday, August 11, 12:15 pm
Dr. Linger, assistant professor at the University of Charleston’s School of Pharmacy, will present some common herbal remedies from Appalachia and discuss how they help with general health. She will also look at potentially dangerous drug interactions. Please join us for this fascinating look at nature vs. modern medical science.

Wednesday, September 8, 12:15 pm
As summer winds into fall, the forests of West Virginia begin to undergo dramatic changes. Join us as Master Naturalist Betsy Trammell identifies and discusses wildflowers found during the autumn season.

Pariahs of the Animal Kingdom
with Heather Baliko
Wednesday, October 13, 12:15 pm
From the beginning of time such animals as snakes, rats, cockroaches and spiders have been equated with fear, death, disease and even the fall of man. Join us as Clay Center Educator Heather Baliko discusses the more positive side of these animals. Guests also get the opportunity to meet live specimens, which are part of the Clay Center menagerie.

Join us for our fun-filled special event days throughout the year. Each day is full of family entertainment with themed science and art activities taking place throughout the day in addition to our three floors of art and science exhibits. All special family event day activities, unless otherwise noted, are included in the price of gallery admission which is FREE for members or just $7 for adults and $5.50 for children.

Join us for Wee Wednesdays, a special day every week when your preschooler can enjoy story time and related activities designed with their interests and abilities in mind. Wee Wednesdays take place every Wednesday at 11 am and 1 pm and is included in Museum gallery admission which is FREE for members or just $7 for adults and $5.50 for children.

Sponsored by: Charleston Pediatric Dentistry, Ashley Patnoe, DDS

Join us for an all new series of books, crafts and activities this summer!

2010 Schedule:

Do you love books and art? If so, join us for our new book club that focuses on the exciting world of art. In the first week there will be an art lecture, two weeks later a discussion about the book and the third week allows for an inside view of our permanent collection and other special programming. $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Registration required, call (304) 561-3517. Fee includes all three sessions per month, but does not include book.

Burning Bright
by Tracy Chevalier
Thursday, August 5, 19 & 26, 1:30-3 pm
After the death of one of their children, The Kellaways move from Dorsetshire to London's Lambeth district to begin a new life. Their surviving children not only each find romantic interests, but they make the acquaintance of the artist and poet, William Blake.

The Passion of Artemisia
by Susan Vreeland
Thursday, October 7, 21 & 28, 1:30-3 pm
Get a brief glimpse into the life of Italian artist, Artemisia Gentileschi. After a traumatic experience in her youth and an arranged marriage, Artemisia was able to obtain success as an artist, procuring wealthy patrons and becoming the first woman elected to the Accademia dell'Arte.

Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper
by Harriett Scott Chessman
Thursday, December 2, 9 & 16, 1:30-3 pm
Lydia Cassatt, the older sister of American artist, Mary Cassatt, served as the model for a number of her sister's paintings. Although suffering from Bright's disease, Lydia enjoyed life through keen observation of the world, especially centered on her sister, Mary and Mary's friends and fellow artists Renoir, Caillebotte and Degas.

As Above, So Below
by Rudy Rucker
Thursday, February 3, 17 & 24, 1:30-3 pm
Using sixteen of Peter Bruegel’s paintings the author recounts the trials and triumphs of the life of this master Flemish painter. Enter Bruegel’s teeming world of politics, art, love, sin and loss.

Strapless
by Deborah Davis
Thursday, April 7, 21 & 28, 1:30-3 pm
Virginie Gautreau quickly became a celebrated beauty of Paris when she moved there from New Orleans. John Singer Sargent was commissioned to paint her portrait, which was unveiled at the 1884 Paris Salon. This painting was meant to bring Virginie the attention she craved, but instead created a scandal due to her dress strap dangling from her shoulder and irreparably damaged her reputation.

The Wayward Muse
by Elizabeth Hickey

Jane Burden is a young girl born into a life of poverty, who is discovered by the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti. She becomes the muse of Rosetti and the rest of the Pre-Raphaelites where she finds love and heartbreak.

Get ready for even more fun and excitement this summer with all new summer camps in art, science and performing arts! Register by calling (304) 561-3508. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Wet and Wild Camp
July 27 – 30, 10am – noon
For children in grades 1 – 4 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Registration Deadline: July 20
There’s no better time than summer to investigate all the cool things about water and liquids. In this camp, we will explore bubbles, floating & sinking, sandcastles, and more!

Adventures in Art I & II
August 3 – 6, 10am – noon SOLD OUT; Waiting List Available
For children in grades K – 2 (rising)

August 3 – 6, 1pm – 3pm spots still available; but filling quickly!
For children in grades 3 – 6 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Registration Deadline: July 27
Dive into a week of experimenting with all kinds of art forms in this creative art camp led by Kanawha County art instructor, Christi Carrier.