The
Aqua Squad is a group of 10 students (6th through 11th grades) who were given
the task of assisting in the design of the Water Education Center on Oakes
Street. This is a joint project between the Upper Colorado River Authority,
the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and San Angelo I.S.D. The students have
been given the title of “Design Advisors.” The students participated
in a series of workshops where they learned about water conservation, water
sheds, non-point source pollution, and the storm water filtration system adjacent
to the museum from UCRA staff. Howard Taylor also introduced them to the concept
of exhibit design and the many forms exhibits can take.
The students then traveled to Washington D.C. and participated in a workshop
led by Dr. Michael Mason, Chief Exhibit Designer for the Smithsonian National
Museum of Natural History where they learned about the process of designing
exhibits and the teamwork that is involved. At the completion of the workshop,
they had a clearer sense of their audience and the main ideas they wanted
to get across in this exhibit space. In addition, the students visited the
offices of the new National Children’s Museum (in planning phases) and
met with the VP of Programs and Exhibits, Shirley Harden. The students learned
about the process of designing a new museum and saw diagrams and images of
this in process. The Aqua Squad students also presented their ideas to the
staff of the Children’s Museum and participated in a sharing of ideas
experience.
The next steps are in process. The students presented their ideas and have been working on final designs. Aqua Squad has been educating the community through visiting schools, hosting events at the center, and participating in Eco Fair.
San Angelo Museum
of Fine Arts
One Love Street
San Angelo, Texas 76903
Fax: (325) 658 - 6800
Phone: (325) 653 -
3333
e-mail:
museum@samfa.org