Reading Blast Off!

Here at CMOM, we love to read. A lot. And you do too, right? So take part in our Reading Blast Off! Challenge on Friday, July 20. The event is from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Come into the museum to enjoy face painting and balloon art by Parties with Pizzazz and receive a free book to start reading 7 books in 7 days or 7 chapters in 7 days. You may pick up your reading form at the admission desk or download it from the Education page on our website at cmom.com. All completed forms must be turned in to The Children’s Museum of Memphis admissions desk by July 31 to receive up to $7.00 in Blast Off Bucks that may be used in The Village Toymaker Gift Shop CMOM location. See you there!

Lost & Found

Here at CMOM, we occasionally discover lost items...including barrettes! I noticed this when I first started working here, and at the beginning of this year, I decided to see how many barrettes could be collected in a few months.  Turns out, quite a few! And such a variety! Some of my co-workers learned of my little "collection," and brought me some of the hair ornaments you see in the picture. By the way, if you see one that belongs to you, let me know!

P.S. I know this is a little odd, and I am grateful that my co-workers are awesomely non-judgemental of my idiosyncrasies!

Jammin' to the Music!

We're lining up an all-star cast of continuous stage performances for our second annual Jammin’ to the Music event, which is this Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. We'll have pony rides, rock climbing wall with bungee trampolines, moonwalk, face painting, crafts, and concessions. Also, music by Brittany Russell, Lil P-Nut, The Friendzies, Lady Trinity and Thunderpunch is sure to rock the front lawn! The event is sponsored by Amerispan Tents, Inc., Blue Bell Creameries, Inc., Bunny Bread, King Cotton and Kroger. Members Free; Non-Members $15 (Cancelled in case of rain).

Staff Profile: Vania Rentrop

Name: Vania Rentrop

Position: Gallery assistant/cashier

Hometown: Memphis, TN

How long have you been at CMOM?: Almost two months!

Favorite exhibit: the Treehouse

Favorite book as a child: Corduroy by Don Freeman. I felt that my adventurous (mischievous) nature was conveyed well within those pages.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy baking and cooking. I also consider myself a bookworm and a camera nerd.

First museum ever visited: The Pink Palace

Fun fact: I have visited all 48 continental U.S. states in my dad's 18-wheeler.

Spring at CMOM

Dear reader, it’s been so long since I’ve blogged! So sorry. Spring is here (yay!) and some fun things are happening at CMOM this month. In honor of Earth Day, we are doing Eco Art on April 21 and April 27, at 11 a.m. Also, Jammin’ to the Music is April 28, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be pony rides, rock climbing wall with bungee trampolines, moonwalk, face painting, crafts, concessions, and music by Lil P-Nut and The Friendzies! Sponsored by Amerispan Tents, Inc., Blue Bell Creameries, Inc., Bunny Bread, King Cotton and Kroger. Members Free; Non-Members $15 (Cancelled in case of rain). Stop by CMOM this month!

A Seussical Birthday

Get excited, dear readers! This Friday, March 2, CMOM is celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday with a variety of activities (from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.) Kids can make their own elephant ears (like Horton), participate in a scavenger hunt, listen to Dr. Seuss stories...and meet a very special guest! Don't forget to wear red and white like the Cat in the Hat. We hope to see you there!

By the way, here's my favorite Dr. Seuss quote (from The Cat in the Hat Comes Back):
When our mother went
Down to the town for the day,
She said, "Somebody has to
Clean all this away.
Somebody, SOMEBODY
Has to, you see."
Then she picked out two Somebodies.
Sally and me.

Henri Rousseau

For today's Fabulous Fine Art, we focused on Henri Rousseau (1844 - 1910), a French painter. He is best known for his jungle paintings. The kids made their own jungle scenes--and each one reflects the individual's imagination (that's very important to us here at CMOM)!

Sorry about my shadow in the above picture. Next week's Fabulous Fine Art focus is the spectacular Andy Warhol. The program is every Saturday at 11 a.m. See you there!