New exhibit at science museum allows kids to get animatedDate: 1/9/2024 SPRINGFIELD — If you love cartoons or stop-motion films such as “King Kong” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” then a new exhibit at the Springfield Science Museum is for you.
“Animationland,” which opens on Jan. 13, gives people the chance to learn about animation from designing characters to creating sound effects. Drawn animation as well as stop motion will be featured.
The exhibit is designed for exploration for both children and adults.
Jenny Powers, the museum’s director, explained to Reminder Publishing, the exhibit takes participants through the various creative stages of an animated production. She noted that includes production stages such as creating characters, putting together a storyboard as well as animating.
“It’s the fundamentals of animation but all of it comes back to the story you want to tell,” she said.
The exhibit gives participants a lesson in not just art but also science.
“It’s good STEM learning,” Powers said. She added, “We’re constantly surrounded by animation — whether it be commercials, entertainment or information. Teaching kids how this works includes lots of STEM skills, and we hope to help them see themselves as scientists.”
The exhibit introduces people to Tracey the pencil dog and her friends, Rooth, Drop, Inky, Uno and Kari, who guide them through the animation process.
Powers said people can either use characters who are supplied by the exhibit or create their own. At the storyboard station, participants can learn how to write and plan their animated production.
Powers said another station in the exhibit shows how an animated film can be sped up or slowed depending upon the number of frames of film that are used.
Stop motion animation — in which a movable model is given the breath of life — is at another station.
She added that at many of the stations participants can record their work with their phones.
There is a schedule of special programs on the opening day:
- Zoetropes, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Test an early animation invention. Learn how speed and number of frames affects the look of the animation and try your hand at putting together your own animation sequence. Spark!Lab, second floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Exploring Early Animation, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Test the early animation devices that made your favorite movies and shows possible. African Hall, first floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Zine Workshop, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Have a story to share? A character or hero to bring to life? Use your imagination to create a Zine. Science Workshop, second floor, Springfield Science Museum
- Secret Creatures, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Create a creature of your own design with a surprise twist. Discovery Lab, lower level, Springfield Science Museum
- Marionette Maker, 12-4 p.m.: Make a marionette and put on a puppet show. Art Discovery Center, second floor, GWV Smith Art Museum
“Animationland” will run through May 5 and is in collaboration with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. It is free with the museum admission.
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