[FAC] Great Met events coming up!

[John English]

The Fresno Metropolitan Museum's Spring events schedule features something for everyone.  For more info on any of these events or to purchase tickets or make reservations online, visit fresnomet.org

Camp-In With the Dinosaurs
January 24, 2009, 7 p.m. - January 25, 2009, 7 a.m. 
$40 for members/ $50 for non-members 
Let fun take flight in the heart of your loved one with a Camp-In in the Museum galleries. 
Campers will explore the exhibitions and engage in hands-on art and science activities related to the Feathered Dinosaurs: The Origin of Flight exhibition. The overnight stay will be presented by the Museum's educator staff, and will include refreshments.

Lecture: An Afternoon with Local Paleontologist Niranjala Kottachchi
January 31, 2009, 2pm
Lyles Theatre   Free with admission
Mammoth bones in our backyard!
Join us for an eye-opening afternoon of discovery with Paleontologist and Field Supervisor Niranjala Kottachchi of Fresno State University.
In 1994 a half million-year old Columbian Mammoth tusk was found as workers were scraping dirt at the Madera County Fairmead landfill. Since then, thousands of specimens have been found: these fossils are scientific treasures that help us understand the history of the Central Valley.
Ms. Kottachchi will discuss the geology and environmental characteristics of the fossil dig site. In addition, she will share and discuss objects that demonstrate paleontological activity.  Discover and uncover paleontology with the entire family!

Lecture: Lagerstatten - Examples of Extraordinary Fossil Preservation with Jeff Anglen
February 5, 2009, 6pm   FREE 
Lagerstätten [meaning "(fossil) deposit places" in German] are geological fossil deposits that are rich with varied, well-preserved fossils, representing a wide variety of life from a particular era. These spectacular fossil deposits represent an amazing "snapshot" in time.
Jeff Anglen is a vertebrate paleontologist and lecturer in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at CSU Fresno. He specializes in the Mesozoic Era (dinosaur & bird evolution), the era of Feathered Dinosaurs.
His presentation will explore how and why the fossils in the exhibition became amazing relics in stone, why Liaoning is so special to scientists, and what is learned from these rare sites.

Lecture: An Illustrated History of the Earth with Brad Polzin
February 7, 2009, 2-3pm   FREE with Museum admission
This multimedia presentation by Met docent Brad Polzin will discuss the history and development of planet Earth throughout the eons, from Earth's formation to the present era.
Mr. Polzin will take visitors through a fascinating and visually arresting journey, traveling along Earth's timeline. Visitors will gain insight into the vast history, grand events, and life forms that have shaped our planet over time. Mr. Polzin will also discuss the rise and fall of various species (e.g., dinosaurs).

Valentine's Day Artmaking Workshops
February 14, 2009, 12-5pm  Free with Museum admission
Create Valentine's Day projects from the heart with the Museum's Education and Interpretation staff at this special Valentine's Day Artmaking Workshop.
All materials will be supplied. Visitors can participate on a walk-in basis.

Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation Presentation
February 21, 2009, 11am   Courtyard/Garden Area   Free to the public
Fly into the Met for a chance to meet birds of prey cared for by the Fresno Wildlife Rehabilitation (FWR).
Mingle with the raptors and ask questions of the FWR volunteers. FWR is an all-volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to caring for orphaned and/or injured native wildlife in our Central Valley.  Bring the family and let knowledge soar!

California Academy of Sciences coach trip
March 21, 2009
The Fresno Metropolitan Museum Docent Council invites you to join them on a trip to San Francisco to experience the newly re-opened California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Following a 3-year, $488 million renovation, Cal Academy allows one to explore earth, ocean and space - all in one place.
Cost is $85 for Museum Members and $95 for Non-Members.  Reservations will be made in the order in which they are received. You will be sent a confirmation of your tour reservation. For more information please call Ann Wanger at 559/441-1444. Deadline for signup is February 20, 2009.


John M. English
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Fresno Metropolitan Museum
1540 Fulton (Office)
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 441-1444 ext. 227
(559) 441-8607 fax
johne at fresnomet.org
www.fresnomet.org