A Wild Art Day

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We have a big day planned with all sorts of activities on the agenda. We have errands to run and want to squeeze in an end of season ski as we work our way to Tupper Lake. The last thing on the list is going to the Wild Center. As we head into town the kids start negotiating the length of their stay at the museum. What has become the last stop now becomes the first.

The children are thrilled to get here. I am always amazed that each time we show up it is just as exciting. I guess that is why it is a living museum. It is constantly changing and growing. The children know the way so our jackets are stowed, the movie times checked and the game plan discussed. My plan is to relax and have a cup of coffee. The kids are old enough now to be on their own for certain lengths of time.

I take a seat behind the tables set up for the Family Art and Nature Project and under a “green intentions” exhibit. People have written on bits of cloth clipped to branches how they plan on living a greener life. The nice thing is that anyone can see that small steps can achieve big things. I look in my bag for my travel mug and discover I’ve forgotten it. This is the ultimate irony to be sitting under waving notes of environmental goals while drinking a cup of coffee out of a disposable cup.

The gift shop attendant and I discuss the pros and cons of re-gifting. I am torn between the ceramic mug and the travel cup. The mug wins.

The kids are back to participate in the art project. Every Sunday the Wild Center hosts a Family Art and Nature project. Some upcoming events will be treasure boxes, plant stakes and the otters’ birthday party.

I am not sure what possesses me to think that I can rush out of the Wild Center. My other errands are forgotten. My children want to show me some new discovery. Besides, I still want to relax and enjoy a guilt-free mug of coffee.

The Wild Center is open for the rest of March on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The museum will be closed for spring-cleaning for the month of April for exhibit installations and reopen in May. Tickets are $15 for adults (15-64), $9 for youth (4-14), $13 for Seniors (65+) and free for children 3 and under and current members. Please call 359-7800 or www.wildcenter.org for more information for a complete schedule.

(as published in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise)

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