Public Programs and Events

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

February 2010
Mummies Unwrapped
Unravel the mysteries of the past as you discover the secrets of mummification and learn about ancient Egypt and Nubia!
Sponsored by: Jackson Kelly and Capitol Conference Center

March 2010
Wildlife Along the Nile
Join our river excursion as we explore crocodiles and other wild animals found along Africa’s Nile River!
Sponsored by: Jackson Kelly and Capitol Conference Center

April 2010
Web of Life
We may not have to collect things from outside to build our homes, make our clothes, or provide our food, but we are still very connected to nature. Come find out how all living things are connected and why protecting nature's balance is so important.

May 2010
Make No Bones About It!
How can you tell what an animal eats just by looking at its skull? Learn the answer to this and many more questions as we explore the world of bones and their structure.

June 2010
Snap, Crackle, Pop!
Get your goggles ready as we experiment with chemistry to find out what concoctions bubble, make sounds, and even explode!

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.

Valentine Cards
February 13
Create a one-of-a-kind card for someone special and share the love this St. Valentine’s Day.

Reptile and Amphibian Mini Zoo
March 13
Meet the Clay Center’s scaly and slimy friends as you encounter snakes, turtles, toads and more!

Tissue Paper Flowers
April 10

Put a little "spring" in your artwork with these fun folding flowers.

Food Mosaics
May 8
Create some "taste-ful" art as you use pasta and beans to create mini masterpieces!

Critter Mini Zoo
June 12
Meet the Clay Center animals including snakes, a lizard, a tarantula, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and more!

NEW Program!
Little Learners Workshops
Specially designed for ages 3 – 5 and their caregivers, these hour-long sessions provide plenty of hands-on learning and fun. All workshops take place 10 – 11 am, so you can also stop by for our Wee Wednesday story time and craft right after the workshop! Workshops are only $5 for Clay Center members and $7 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Call (304) 561-3517 to register today!

March 3
Blown Away!
Use wind power to have some fun with art and science as we make whirligigs, windsocks and more!

April 7:

Sifting Through Science
Use magnets, sinking and floating objects and more as we sift through some fun hands-on experiments.

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 our new fall lineup:

Be sure to get in on the action of our new lineup of after school fun for 2010!

February 25:
Who’s Your Mummy?
Mummies are more than just royal dead guys wrapped in bandages. Come discover the ins and outs of the science behind mummification.

March 11:
Unhuggables: Animal Myths
Can a toad really give you warts? Join us to find out the truth behind weird animal myths.

March 25:
Toy Dissection
How does a View Master display 3-D images? What is inside an Etch-a-Sketch? All these things and more will be examined as we dissect common toys to unlock their mysteries.

April 8:
Myth Breakers
Can you out run a rubber bullet? Can household items explode? Put the scientific method to the test as you perform experiments to find out what’s true and what’s just a myth.

April 22:
It’s Morphing Time!
All kinds of hopping, flying, and sprouting is going on this time of year, so let’s investigate the amazing changes that occur in spring.

May 6:
Make it Work!
What do a magic carpet, warp speed, and a human knot have in common? They are all fun team challenges that you’ll need your thinking caps for in this wild and wacky workshop.

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 to register today

Figure Drawing
With Susan Petryszak
Tuesday evenings, March 9, 23 & 30, 6 – 8 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.

About the instructor: Susan Petryszak is a noted West Virginia artist and instructor. She has been featured in several regional art exhibitions and group shows including the 1999 WV Juried Exhibition for which she received the Award of Excellence.

The Art and Science of Beer
With Rich Ireland
Saturday, March 13, 1 – 5 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.

Jewelry Making
With Connie McColley
Saturday, March 20, 1 – 5 pm
Fee: $55 for Clay Center members; $65 for non-members
Spend an afternoon creating your own unique jewelry! Local artist Connie McColley will instruct participants in this beginner class, covering basic wire beading, making jump rings and ear wires using sterling silver wire with glass or semi-precious stones. Students will also have the option of creating necklaces or charm bracelets. Most materials provided; space limited. Students are encouraged to bring their own beads or vintage jewelry to disassemble.

Ceramics II
With Molly Erlandson
Tuesdays, April 6, 8 & 13, 6 – 8 pm
Fee: $55 for Clay Center members; $65 for non-members
This three-evening workshop with WV State University professor Molly Erlandson will focus on the basics of hand-building, using slab and molding techniques with earthenware clay. Students will construct, shape, scrape and burnish vessels and then decorate by carving or brushing through a field of colored 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. Ceramics I is not required. All supplies provided; space limited.

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.

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.

Check out the all-new Whizbang lineup for winter/spring 2010! Registration now open!

February 27
Origami and Paper Art
(Grades 2 – 6) – It’s an all-new workshop with a lot of fun folded in! Explore the art of origami with local artist Staci Leech as you create a variety of paper artworks.

March 20
State of Shock!
(Grades K – 5) – Enjoy a shocking good time as we explore the power of electricity with batteries, static charges and the amazing human light chain!

April 17
Comically Speaking
(Grades K – 5) – Join special guest Chrissy Courtney as you make some animated magic and create your very own comic book!

May 15
Junior Chefs: Global Gourmet!
(Grades K – 5) – Create your own tasty treats as we travel around the globe with tastes and treats from a variety of cultures and countries.

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!

Science Café will take a break for the holidays, but will return in January with an all new lineup of presenters and topics!

Climate Change
With David Marsalek
Tuesday, March 23, 6 – 7 pm
Climate change affects our planet and our lives in many ways. Join National Weather Service meteorologist David Marsalek for an objective look at the complexity of the science behind this environmental hot topic.

Energy
With Phil Moye of Appalachian Power
Tuesday, May 25, 6 – 7 pm
It's being discussed in the board room, around the coffee pot and at the kitchen table. Electricity is getting more expensive for energy companies across America to make and deliver. The good news is that even small changes you can make reduce your electric bill. Phil Moye with Appalachian Power will explain what's happening with electric rates, show how to save money on your power bill and answer your energy questions.

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.

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.

Egyptian Treasures from a Private Tomb
With Ken Fox
Wednesday, February 10, 12:15 pm
Ken Fox, owner of Magic Makers Costumes in Huntington, has collected Egyptian art and objects his entire life, even recreating his own tomb exhibit for educational purposes. Fox will “rob” his tomb for this special presentation, bringing with him Yul Brynner’s Ramses sandals from The Ten Commandments and a gold ring cast from King Tut’s signet ring. Be an armchair Egyptologist for this entertaining show and tell.

Wonders of the New River Gorge
With National Park Ranger Dave Caldwell
Wednesday, March 10, 12:15 pm
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and the gorge that it has carved through southern West Virginia creates important habitat for rare and endangered species. Join a park ranger from New River Gorge National River to learn about some of the amazing natural and cultural resources that make the park unique enough to be a part of our national park system. Ruins of coal mining and railroad towns, timbering operations, and early subsistence farms tell the story of the important role this area played in the industrialization of our nation. Learn more about your national park!

The Rocket Boys: The Importance of Education Then and Now
With WV Rocket Boy Billy Rose
Wednesday, April 14, 12:15 pm
One of West Virginia's famed Rocket Boys, Rose will discuss his life growing up in Coalwood, WV, and the formation of the Rocket Boys. This progrm will also highlight the importance of teachers and education which helped propel the Rocket Boys to college, career and national recognition. Some of Mr. Rose's rocket memorabilia will also be on display.

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.

Hop on over for some fun during a day celebrating the incredible egg! Join us for egg hunts, egg dyeing ($1 for 2 eggs; supplies limited), egg-citing science demos and more. You can also meet our special guest for the day – the Easter Bunny!

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 stories and crafts based on these great books:

2010 Schedule:

February 10
Arthur’s Valentine
by Marc Brown
Craft: Valentines

February 17 and 24
Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday
by Judith Viorst
Craft: Penny Pendants

March 3
Katie in London
by James Mayhew
Craft: Postcards

March 10
No Red Monsters Allowed
by Liza Alexander
Craft: Monster Masks

March 17
Yertle the Turtle
by Dr. Seuss
Activity: Meet Clay Center turtles!

March 24
The Little House
by Virginia Burton
Craft: Construction Paper Houses

March 31
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
by Beatrix Potter
Craft: Puffball Bunnies

April 7 and 14
A Pair of Red Clogs
by Masako Matsuno
Craft: Shoes and Laces

April 21 and 28
The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs
by William Joyce
Activity: Planting flower seeds

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 Forgery of Venus
by Michael Gruber
Thursday, April 8, 22 & 29, 1:30-3 pm
Chaz Wilmot is an artist whose work reflects that of the old masters rather than the modern world in which he lives. On a dubious restoration job in Italy Chaz finds himself transported into the life of the Spanish artist, Diego Velázquez, as he is creating a masterpiece. Is it real or all in his mind?

In the Company of the Courtesan
by Sarah Dunant
Thursday, June 3, 17 & 24, 1:30-3 pm
In 1527, Fiammetta Bianchini, a courtesan, escapes Rome as it is being pillaged to seek refuge in Venice where she must begin life anew with her trusted servant, Bucino Teodoldo. Together they have many trials and tribulations, which include Fiammetta being Titian’s model for his now famous painting, Venus of Urbino.

Burning Light
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 suffereing 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.

All lectures are free with the price of museum admission.

Nubia: A Black Legacy
With Edmund Barry Gaither
Thursday, February 18, 6 pm, Art Gallery
Explore the symbolic legacy of the ancient Nubian civilization as Gaither discusses his belief that Africa’s contributions to history and culture have been devalued, misrepresented and denied throughout the “New World.”

Nubian Queens in the Nile Valley
With Dr. Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban
Tuesday, March 16, 6 pm, Art Gallery
Nubian women played a valuable role in Kushite culture. Discover their influence on Nubian culture, and learn how they helped established who was going to be the next king or queen.

Nubian Pyramids and Royal Cemeteries
With Dr. Peter Lacorvara
Wednesday, April 7, 6 pm, Art Gallery
Increased contact with Egypt resulted in progressive adoption by the Nubians of Egyptian funerary practices. Learn about the pyramids that ancient Nubians continued building for nearly 1,000 years after the Egyptians.

Lecture series is sponsored by:

The Collectors Club

March 24 – 28, noon - 4 pm
Please join us for our Spring Break Activities! Each day you will be able to read facts about a different artist and make a work similar to some of their own artistic creations. (Activities happen daily except for March 27 when you can join us for Eggstravaganza!)

Wednesday, March 24
Paul Cézanne/Still Life Drawing

Thursday, March 25
Georges Seurat/Pointillism Pictures

Friday, March 26
Piet Mondrian/Construction Paper Abstract

Sunday, March 28
Auguste Rodin/Sculpture