PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Adult Workshops
After School Explorers Club
Astronomy programs, ALL NEW!
Family Fun Days
Fun Lab!
In the Community
Lunchtime Lectures
Milton's Marvels
Book Clubs
Summer Discovery Camps
Wee Wednesdays
Whizbang Workshops
Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with a great lineup of space science related activities at the Clay Center. Each month you can check out our “Constellation of the Month” on our entry plasma screen displays and in our planetarium star talks. Look for new science demonstrations, planetarium shows, workshops, lectures and other special programming each month throughout the year with a special celebration of the first lunar landing in July!
July 25 – Celebrate with us during Space Out Saturday, a day filled with astronomical fun and activities!
August 8 –Star Clocks – Use the stars and constellations to help you tell time.
September 12 – Stars of the Nile – Discover this all new planetarium show about ancient civilizations and their way of looking at the night sky.
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
June 2009
Optical Illusions - Ever see something that wasn't really there? Stare at a 3D picture for hours trying to see the hidden image? Discover the ways your eyes can trick your mind in this demo as we explore many different illusions!
July 2009
Bubbleology – Discover some cool tricks and weird science in this demo that’s just bubbling over with fun!
August 2009
Dinosaurs Discovered – Explore the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs and see fossils from millions of years ago!
September 2009
Rules of the Game: The Science of Sports – Learn the science behind some of your favorite sports!
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!
July 11, noon - 4 pm
Turn a simple strip of paper into whirling, twirling fun with only a pair of scissors and a paperclip!
Star Clocks
August 8, noon - 4 pm
Create your very own star clock and use the stars and constellations to tell time!
Reptile Mini Zoo
September 12, noon - 4 pm
A fun animal meet and greet for the whole family featuring the Clay Center reptiles including turtles, snakes and a lizard!
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. A new series kicks off September 24! Pre-registration is required. Call (304) 561–3529 for more information! Here’s a look at new our fall lineup:
September 24: Inventions
October 8: Nubian Way of Life
October 22: Science of Spin
November 5: You Better THINK!
November 19: Mad Science: Chemistry
December 3: Shivering Science
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.
Adult Workshops
Discover new educational opportunities for adults at the Clay Center! Call (304) 561-3517 for more information to register today
Registration for fall adult workshops opens July 1, 2009.
Art & Science of Wine VII: Champagne and Sparkling Wines
Saturday, September 19, 10 am to 2 pm
Fee: $100 for Clay Center members; $120 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. We will cover important concepts concerning wine styles, how Champagne is made, how it differs from other sparkling wines and how to pair Champagne with food. A systematic tasting process will be used to evaluate the wines and illustrate the concepts. A challenging course intended to be a great deal of fun. A three course lunch will follow the discussion. Pre-registration is required; space is limited.
Ceramics
Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 13, 15 & 20, 6 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $55 for Clay Center members; $65 for non-members
Join instructor Molly Erlandson of WV State University for a workshop celebrating our Lost Kingdoms of the Nile exhibition. This three-evening workshop will focus on the basics of hand-building traditional coil vessels from earthenware clay, in keeping with the Nubian style. Students will construct, shape, scrape and burnish vessels and then decorate by carving or brushing through a field of white slip. Students will have the option of having their piece kiln-fired, which will strengthen the clay and stabilize the slip design. Workshop is designed for beginners or those with some experience. All supplies provided; space limited.
Art and Science of Wine III: Wines of Italy and Spain
Tuesdays & Thursdays, November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 & 19, 6 – 8 pm each session
Fee: $125 for Clay Center members; $150 for non-members (includes all six sessions)
Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Certified Wine Professional Sam Uppala will conduct this six-class session, exploring the wines of Italy and Spain. A challenging course intended to be a great deal of fun for beginner or experienced wine lover. It is not required to take Art &Science of Wine I or II prior to this class.
Astronomy: Fall Skies
Saturday, November 21, 1 – 5 pm
Fee: $25 for Clay Center members; $35 for non-members
Join instructor Bob Frostick for a one-day overview of the fall skies as you explore the constellations and stars visible in our nighttime sky. Participants will learn about constellation identification and history in the Clay Center’s Starlab portable planetarium along with other astronomical facts and fun. The program concludes with an evening outing to the Camp Virgil Tate observatory (weather permitting) for some real star viewing! In the event of inclement weather, alternate dates will be offered for the observatory visit.
Whizbang Workshops
Join Professor Art Whizbang for an all–new line up of fun workshops. Workshops are Saturdays from 10 am to noon. Each workshop is $15, or $12 for members. Register by calling (304) 561-3517.
October 24
Mad Science Lab
(grades K-5) – It’s mad science fun with chemical reactions, (safe) explosions and more madcap fun!
November 21
Investigating Artifacts
(grades K-5) – Become a junior archeologist for the morning as we attempt to put together clues from the past found in a mini archeological dig!
December 5
Freezing Fun!
(grades K-5) – Dry ice, water, snow and other winter wonders will be explored with some way cool hands-on experiments.
Special Family Whizbang Workshop!
December 12
Gingerbread Decorating
Price per group: $45 member; $55 non-member
Session 1: 10 a.m. – noon
Session 2: 1 – 3 p.m.
This ever-popular workshop is back! Work as a group to decorate your own gingerbread house and winter wonderland! We provide all supplies – house, candy, icing and more. You provide the creativity! These workshops fill quickly, so call today to register for either session!
ALL NEW Program for Adults! 
Science Café
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!
The Science of Recycling
With Angela Rexroad
Tuesday, August 25, 6 – 7 pm
Join Angela Rexroad, Recycling Education Coordinator for the Kanawha County Solid Waste Authority, as she presents The Science of Recycling. In addition to learning some recycling tips, environmental impacts of recycling and ways we can all make a difference, Science Café guests will have the opportunity to check out some creative uses for recyclable materials. Bring your questions about recycling in your neighborhood!
Renewable Energy (and more!)
With Kelly A. Bragg
Tuesday, October 27, 6 – 7 pm
The harnessing of solar and wind power has fascinated and inspired people for centuries. Kelly A. Bragg, energy development specialist with the West Virginia Division of Energy, shares an overview of solar and wind power. She will also share tips on making buildings more energy efficient.
Second Saturdays at Capitol Market
Join the Clay Center at the Capitol Market on the second Saturday of each month between 10 am and 12 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.
Bring the Museum to You!
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) 561-3508 to find out how to bring the excitement to you!
Lunchtime Lectures
Join us for this FREE monthly lecture series featuring community presenters and a wide variety of topics. Programs usually last 40 - 45 minutes.
A West Virginia Author Summons The Brontës
With Denise Giardina
Wednesday, July 8, 12:15 pm, Art Gallery
Charleston author Denise Giardina will read from and discuss her upcoming book 'Emily's Ghost: A Novel of the Brontë Sisters'. Giardina is the author of several novels, including 'Storming Heaven'. She is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church and is writer-in-residence at West Virginia State University. The author will also sign copies of her previous books after the lecture, so be sure to bring along your Denise Giardina novels!
Folk Remedies and Medicinal Plants of Southern Appalachia
With Dr. Rebecca Linger
Wednesday, August 12, 12:15 pm, Art Gallery
Join Rebecca Linger, Ph. D., Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at University of Charleston’s School of Pharmacy as she discusses the ethnopharmacology of Appalachia – the study of the effects of plants, fungi and microorganisms used by the peoples of Appalachia. Early settlers of this area confronted with illness and disease discovered a wealth of useful therapeutic herbals. Come along on this journey of discovery as we take a closer look at native plants and their amazing properties!
Plesiosaurs: In the Field and in the Lab
With Dr. F. Robin O’Keefe
Wednesday, September 9, 12:15 pm, Art Gallery
Ever wonder how fossils are found? How they are excavated and studied by paleontologists? Professor O'Keefe of Marshall University’s Department of Biological Sciences will discuss his field and laboratory research on plesiosaurs from the Jurassic of Wyoming. Dr. O’Keefe’s research projects have taken him around the globe in search of prehistoric creatures, so be sure to catch this lecture – a perfect complement to our giant screen film Sea Monsters.
Salt of the Kanawha Valley
With Dr. Billy Joe Peyton
Wednesday, October 14, 12:15 pm, Art Gallery
Before the chemical, coal or natural gas industries took hold in this region – there was salt. “Red Salt from the Kanawha” was known world-wide for its color and quality. Join Dr. Billy Joe Peyton, history department chair of West Virginia State University, as he shares the important history and science behind the once-thriving salt industry in the Kanawha Valley.
Family Fun Days
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.
Space Out Saturday
Saturday, July 25, 11 am – 4 pm
You’ll have a blast with space related activities, special science demonstrations and much more. Learn about the stars and constellations, explore the size of our Solar System with our planet walk, make your own star clock and check out our special comet-making demo! This is the perfect way to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy.
Prehistoric Party
Saturday, August 15, 11 am – 4 pm
Discover an amazing prehistoric world as you explore creatures of land, sea and air! Join us for dinosaur activity stations, woolly mammoth cart demos and our special paleontology demonstration, Dinosaurs Discovered. Complete your visit with a ticket for the giant screen adventure Sea Monsters in our ElectricSky™ Theater. Film tickets are sold separately; all other activities are included with gallery admission which is free for members!
Saturday, October 17, 11 am – 4 pm
Our annual Halloween party is back with more tricks and treats than ever before! Join us on the trick or treat trail for candy, prizes and other fun goodies. Get in on the fun with our mad science shows and special story times. Let your creativity flow by making a trick or treat bag or carving your own jack o’lantern in our workshops ($2 per pumpkin; supplies limited). All this and more await you at our non-spooky holiday celebration!
Wee Wednesdays
Join us for Wee Wednesdays, a special day every week when your preschooler can enjoy story time and related art 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.
Wee Wednesdays are sponsored by Heiner’s Bakery and Don E. Skaff, D.D.S., Inc. - Pediatric Dentistry.
Join us for stories and crafts based on these great books:
2009 Schedule:
June 24 and July 1
Yay! You!
by Sandra Boynton
Craft: Paper dolls
July 8 and 15
Sleepy Time Olie
by William Joyce
Craft: Olie antenna hats
July 22 and 29
Verdi
by Janell Cannon
Craft: Spiral snake
August 5
Special Program!
Kiwi’s First Day of School – read by guest author Lauren Lette
August 12
Picky Mrs. Pickle
by Christine Schneider
Craft: Food coloring sheets
August 19 and 26
Green Eggs and Ham
by Dr. Seuss
Craft: 3-D eggs and ham
Book Clubs
Reading Art Book Club
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.
The Madonnas of Leningrad
by Debra Dean
Thursday, August 6, 20 & 27, 1:30-3 pm
As an elderly woman begins to suffer the ravages of Alzheimer’s her mind travels back to the past during her time as a docent at the Hermitage Museum. The siege of Leningrad has begun and the museum staff must ensure the safety of the art collection as well as their own.
Loving Frank
by Nancy Horan
Thursday, October 8, 22 & 29, 1:30-3 pm
Frank Lloyd Wright is well known for his architecture, but less known for his love affair with Mamah Cheney. Who was this woman Wright risked everything for and whose life was destined to end so tragically?
Portrait of an Unknown Woman
by Vanora Bennett
Thursday, December 3, 10 & 17, 1:30-3 pm
During the reign of England’s King Henry VIII religious and political turmoil abound. This is the backdrop when artist, Hans Holbein, enters the household of Sir Thomas More, to paint a family portrait. Witness the events which unfold through the eyes of More’s ward, Meg.
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.
NEW! Art Meets Science Book Club
(Grades 4 – 8)
Join us for our Art Meets Science Book Club, featuring books dealing with science, visual and performing arts. The program consists of two sessions. The first session includes a book discussion and the second features a hands-on activity based on the book. $15 for non-members, $12 for members. Pre-registration required, call (304) 561-3517. Fee includes both sessions, but does not include book.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
July 11 & 18, 10 – 11:30 am
Come along for an adventure with Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance as they help Mr. Benedict try to prevent a world takeover by the mysterious Mr. Curtain in this award-winning book. After our book discussion the first week, we will work with secret codes and ciphers!
Airman
by Eoin Colfer
August 8 & 15, 10 – 11:30 am
Soar to the heights of grand adventure with this thriller featuring Conor Broekhart’s struggle to take flight – and after witnessing a serious crime his life just might depend on it! Join us for a discussion the first week followed by some fun as we attempt to create our own airplanes and flying machines.
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.
Summer Discovery Camps 2009
Get in on hot fun in the summertime with the Clay Center’s Summer Discovery Camps! This year we have some fresh learning opportunities as well as new twists on old favorites. Space is limited. Pre-registration and payment are required for all camps. Please call (304) 561-3555 to register beginning April 1.
ScienceFest
July 7-10, 10 am - noon
For children in grades K – 2 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Learn how science can be fun with activities in biology, chemistry and physics. Kids will meet the Clay Center critters, perform their very own chemistry experiments, and much more!
Filmmaking 102
SOLD OUT; waiting list available
July 13-17, 10 am - noon
For children in grades 3 - 7 (rising)
Cost: $55 for Clay Center members, $65 for non-members
The return of our most popular camp with an all-new script challenge! We’ll create Hollywood at the Clay Center as kids write, costume, and act in an original short film. The camp will conclude with a red-carpet premiere (parents welcome). Each participant will receive a DVD copy of the film.
Engineering the Future (morning camp)
July 21-24, 10 am - noon
For children in grades 1 – 4 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Build bridges, make polymers and even learn about some of the Clay Center’s science exhibits in a week of engineering fun!
Engineering the Future (afternoon camp)
July 21-24, 1 - 3 pm
For children in grades 5 – 8 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Kids will get involved with robots, crime scene science and more! This special camp for the older set will also include guest speakers from the engineering field.
Exploring Art
SOLD OUT; waiting list available
July 28-31, 10 am - noon
For children in grades K – 5 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Join Kanawha County art instructor Christi Carrier for a weeklong journey into various art media. We’ll paint, draw, and create summer fun!
Exploring Art
July 28-31, 1 – 3 pm
For children in grades K – 5 (rising)
Cost: $45 for Clay Center members, $55 for non-members
Same program as 10 – noon session listed above.
Little Learners Week
August 11-14, 11 am - noon
For children ages 3 - 5 years and their caregiver(s)
Cost: $30 for Clay Center members, $40 for non-members
A special week just for the little ones! Preschoolers and their caregivers will enjoy activities, crafts and stories in varying subjects from science to music.
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.