The Science Museum of Long Island is introducing its new “science of art/art of science” curriculum, which teaches how art has a place in science.
“We realized that there was no point in limiting ourselves to stem education when really the arts are part of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Cara O’Donnell, the newly named the chief administrator of the museum. “It all has some scientific basis.”
The program series will begin in February at the museum, which is located on the Leeds Pond Preserve in Plandome Manor.
Students may register for art classes taught by local artist and art instructor, Lawrence (“Larry”) Chrapliwy. Chrapliwy, who’s originally from Port Washington. He said he plans to will share with students his talent in conveying the light, atmosphere and mood that’s evident in his own paintings.
“This artist was very interested in bringing the arts to the science museum, but incorporating them in such a way that the science behind that is also emphasized,” O’Donnell said.
The classes are taught outdoors and indoors, depending on the weather. If classes aren’t held outside they will be held in the newly created studio space in the Museum’s Visitor Center.
Chrapliwy is also going to start teaching classes designed for children.
The classes will be held on Saturdays. The program will focus on works from artist such as Leonardo DiVinci. On Tuesdays (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and Fridays (1-3:30 p.m.) classes on drawing and painting will take place for adults at all levels of proficiency.
Wednesday (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) classes will focus on drawing only. On Saturdays (10-11:30 a.m.), children ages 6-9 will meet to study and emulate the genius of artist/scientist/inventor, Leonardo DaVinci, and gradually branch out to study other master artists. A second Saturday class (1-2:30 p.m.) will tailor the study of DaVinci to children ages 10 and up.
The fee for each class is $175 per month and class size is limited so that each student receives individual attention. Former and new students may register by calling 516-627-9400, extension 11, for registration by phone, or online at www.smli.org.
This is just one example of the efforts the Science Museum is making after new changes in their leadership, museum officials said.
The museum’s board of trusties unanimously elected Sean Marten as president of the board after the Science Museum’s annual election.
“We had a trustee who came on board about two years ago, Sean Marten, who was so helpful and generous to the museum and always had great ideas for improving the classes that we offer,” O’Donnell said.
The previous board president, Carlo Manganillo, spent 11 years on the board and served as president for seven years. Manganillo said at last month’s meeting that he “will remain on the board as a member at large.”
“He just wanted fresh leadership and fresh ideas,” O’Donnell said.
O’Donnell added that she believes both her and Marten will bring a lot of good ideas and the ability to implement them.
The community can look forward to new events and more ways for the community to get involved with the museum’s efforts, she said.
Her goal is to foster closer ties with the community and gain more support.
The Science Museum’s ongoing events include birthday parties with science themed for children, almost every Friday night they do badge work for boy scouts and girl scouts. The Science Museum also takes its programs to local schools, hospitals, community centers, and public libraries.
The Science Museum could also use volunteers to fix the 109 year-old building.
“There’s always something that breaks or needs some kind of repair or just improvements,” O’Donnell said. “There’s always a room to paint or a mural for a nursery to create. One person came in one time with curtains she had made for some of the offices. There’s always something.”
If interested in volunteering and helping the museums efforts, contact Cara O’Donnell at 516-627-9400, ext. 11.
