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Environment expands into the arts
(by Sara Keegan - January 16, 2008)
When thinking about nature and the environment, dancing, painting and math may not be the first thing to come to mind. But the Meadowlands Environment Center has expanded on the normal concept of environment in order to entertain audiences of all ages by mixing culture and nature in a new and interesting way.
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s Meadowlands Environment Center has announced its expanded schedule of upcoming events for the winter and spring seasons. The events combine nature with art for activities geared towards families who are looking for a new way to spend quality times together.
The first event and a perfect example of the center’s take on natural and cultural fusion is
"The Dance of Life" program, in which Christine Bodwitch will teach the children and families who attend all about the plant and animal kingdom. However, instead of a lecture in a laboratory, Bodwitch will be teaching through dance. Those who attend will learn about the energy and movement of life science.
Also in February are "Winter Watercolors," a program for children and adults on the watercolor paint process and landscape painting and "Friend or Phobia?" a program for all ages in which Duke Lee of Exotics Unlimited will introduce participants to more feared creatures of the animal kingdom, including snakes, spiders and scorpions, up close. Each program asks for participation from those attending, engaging children and adults alike into the world of science and art.
But February is only the beginning. March brings the family fun of "Lunar Adventures," a program featuring Laura Venner, a NASA/JPL ambassador and Meadowlands environmental educator. Venner will be sharing her wealth of knowledge about the moon and earth’s fascination with it. Mar. 8 kicks off AT&T’s "Family Week at the Theater" with a playwrighting for children workshop that includes free performances. Also in March is the Pi Day "mathmagic" with magician Bradley Fields and pie for dessert and the Black Maria Film Festival with commentary from John Columbus, founder of the festival.
The center, run by the Ramapo College of New Jersey, presents the events for free or for a very reasonable price, no admission reaching $10. For the events that cost money, Meadowlands Environment Center members receive a $1-2 discount.
Visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec to register. Group size is limited for most events so pre-registration is requested. For more information, call 201-460-8300. The Meadowlands Environment Center is located on 2 DeKorte Park Plaza in Lyndhurst.
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