MUSEUM NEWS & NOTES: February is fabulous at the museum

Every February the Children's Museum in Carson City celebrates Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Rabbit, and on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12-13, guests will be able to participate in the Lion Dance, traditionally seen in Chinese parades where one person wears the "head" and 10-15 people follow supporting the trailing body of the costume.

Arts and crafts will include making dragon head puppets, Chinese lanterns, learning calligraphy, using chopsticks, playing Chinese jump rope, learning origami and more.

Sierra Dojo will have martial arts demonstrations on Saturday. Sunday, Little Swan Dancers from Reno will perform Chinese dances while wearing authentic costumes. Everything is included in the price of regular admission, and is free to museum members.

Toddler Theater

On Saturday, Feb. 19, Wild Hose Children's Theatre presents "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?" and "Caps for Sale" as a part of their Toddler Theater. Children 5 and under actually join the action on stage as a part of this unique interactive performance.

Fun with pottery

In addition, the Children's Museum is expanding its offerings for pottery. Sunday, Feb. 27 kicks off the museum's advanced pottery painting. Ages 8 through adult will learn how to hand draw and paint a "rose plate" (reservations required). There are also daily opportunities for beginning and intermediate pottery making, and/or painting through the Pottery Place and Carson City Pottery, both located at the Children's Museum.

In preparation for the expansion of our museum, we have made structural changes inside that will require guests to enter through the front entrance, or via our elevator. New signage will help remind our guest of this change.

Call the Children's Museum for details on these February activities 775-884-2226, and come check out and support our non-profit museum that is solely supported by the generosity of our community.