Washington Pavilion Gives Children's Art Studio A Makeover

Today the Washington Pavilion unveiled its newly renovated Raven Children's Studio located in the Visual Arts Center.

New paint, equipment, furniture and décor - along with new program themes and technology - has transformed the Raven Children's Studio into an updated and refreshed space.

"We are excited to introduce this exciting new concept to our patrons," said Darrin Smith, Washington Pavilion President & CEO. "It's a great, fun place within our Visual Arts Center for our younger audiences and families to enjoy hands-on art activities and engaging, interactive programs, and we think they are going to love it!"

New features include an animation station with five areas of focus: Imagine it, Sketch it, Ink it, Color it and Share it, allowing children to create their own cartoon and learn more about the process of developing a cartoon drawing.

"Our hope is to encourage children to advance their art abilities, learn more about illustrating and leave with their very own finished cartoon character drawing. We believe this will make the Visual Arts Center experience more interactive and allow our patrons to engage on a deeper level and give them something they won't forget," explains Jason Folkerts, Washington Pavilion Director of Exhibits & Collections.

Folkerts notes one structure that remains is the performing arts stage area complete with costumes and props. "Dramatic play will still be an element to the room. Children can dress up in costumes, use provided props and put on a show in front of the backdrop," said Folkerts.

Additionally, daily activities and events such as Storytime and Art Studio sessions will be held in the room for families and children to explore art and creative projects together.

"We are delighted to partner with the Washington Pavilion on this unique and fun space. At Raven, we understand the importance of creativity and innovation, and we believe the Raven Children's Art Studio will help foster that mindset with the youngest of learners and explorers," added Dan Rykhus, Raven Industries CEO and President. Raven Industries, headquartered in Sioux Falls, is a sponsor of the Children's Studio and has been a supporter since 2003.

The Raven Children's Studio, located in the Visual Arts Center, is open seven days a week: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday: 12-5 p.m.

The Washington Pavilion is the region's home for the arts, entertainment and science. Located in a beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Sioux Falls, it is one of only a few facilities in the world to bring together under one roof the performing arts, visual arts and interactive science. The vast array of high quality programming and educational activities available through the Husby Performing Arts Center, Kirby Science Discovery Center, Visual Arts Center and the Community Learning Center ensures that people of all ages and walks of life can rely upon the Washington Pavilion to inspire, educate, entertain and enrich. There is, indeed, something for everyone here. For information about our programs, please call (605) 367-7397 or, (toll free) at 1-877-Wash Pav or visit our website at www.washingtonpavilion.org.