FREE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION AT THE STIFEL CENTER

WHEELING, W.Va. (April 22, 2009)- - Area residents can enjoy a day of family fun and creative expression at Oglebay Institute’s “Summer Kick Off 2009” from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling.

Free and open to the public, this community celebration includes arts and crafts for kids, nature scavenger hunts, dance demonstrations, hands-on history programs, an opportunity to view the art exhibition “Heroes and Villains: Comics as Art” and a theatrical performance of “Aesop’s (Updated) Fables.”

Refreshments will be available for purchase, and guests can bring a blanket for a picnic on the beautiful Stifel lawn. Live music and prize drawings are also part of the fun.

Designed to raise awareness about Oglebay Institute’s family programs, this event gives the public an opportunity to enjoy some of the Institute’s programming for free, which, organizers say, is especially important during these difficult economic times.

“Oglebay Institute is a community resource,” president Kathleen McDermott said. “We offer year-round arts and nature programming for all ages, including young children. Our events are very affordable options for families, especially when they are trying to stretch their entertainment dollars.”

McDermott said the Institute offers many children’s programs for $10 or less such as nature pre-school days and children’s theatre productions, just to name a few, and programs such as nature scavenger hunts, Saturday Art Explorers and the changing art exhibits are free to the public. She added that summer day camps in art, nature, dance and theater are also affordable, and scholarships are available to help those in need.

“You don’t have to pay big city prices to get big city entertainment,” she said. “By inviting the community to this annual celebration we hope to entice new people to learn about all that we have to offer in terms of family entertainment and personal fulfillment.”

Staff members will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions about educational and recreational opportunities available through Oglebay Institute.

Oglebay Institute instructors will lead the activities during Summer Kick Off 2009, which include:

Miniature Heroes: Make your own action figure. Color, cut and assemble miniature heroes such as Spiderman, Wolverine and Hawk girl. Ongoing throughout the day.

Super Banners: Use the super logos to make an awesome Superman or Batman wall hanging that will dress up any room. Ongoing throughout the day.

Colors of Nature Scavenger Hunt: Learn more about the natural world as you explore the grounds surrounding the Stifel Center. Stop at activity stations along the way to learn fun facts from nature educators. Ongoing throughout the day.

Dig It! The Basic of Archaeology: Learn the basics of archaeology, terminology and techniques. Practice your skills on a chocolate chip cookie “excavation.” Ongoing throughout the day.

Dance Performances: The 2009 West Virginia Dance Festival participants will perform a contemporary dance number titled “Jungle Eyes” & some of OI’s youngest dancers will perform a ballet routine. Performances take place at noon.

“Aesop’s (Updated) Fables”: This fun, fast-paced production takes four of Aesop’s most famous fables- The Tortoise and the Hare, The Fox and the Crow, The Fox and the Grapes and The Boy Who Cried Wolf- and weaves them into one contemporary show that is full of surprises. Performance takes place at 1:15 p.m.

The first 100 children attending “Summer Kick Off 2009” receive a free T-shirt. Door prizes will be given away throughout the event and include a family membership package, children’s theatre tickets, a free week of summer day camp and more.

“Everyone is invited to this community celebration,” McDermott said “Whether you are an Institute member, a regular participant or have never been to any of the Institute’s programs or events, we hope that you join us for this fun-filled day.”

For nearly 80 years, the nonprofit Oglebay Institute has been a gathering place to learn, create, enjoy and appreciate art and nature. Oglebay Institute supports the local artistic community, serves as a resource for educators, provides entertainment and enjoyment for all ages and helps people develop their creative potential through education and example.

Oglebay Institute operates six facilities in the Wheeling area: the Schrader Environmental Education Center, the Mansion Museum and the Glass Museum in Oglebay Resort; the Stifel Fine Arts Center and School of Dance on National Road and Towngate Theatre and Cinema in the Centre Market District.

In the event of rain, “Summer Kick Off” will be moved indoors. For more information on this event, summer camps or any of the activities of Oglebay Institute, call the customer service staff at the Stifel, 304.242.7700. Or visit online at www.oionline.com