Kids' Creative Powers Unleashed at Central Library

The Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art launched its summer series of workshops Tuesday evening at the . About twenty children eagerly awaited the start of the first workshop, animation.

The workshop began with a quick introduction into the history and forms of animation. Ulysses Gallman, member of the museum's board of directors, described animation as “giving it motion when it really doesn’t have motion on its own.”

Following the introduction, the children spread out to various tables and created their own thaumatrope, a Victorian era animation. Help was offered when needed but for the most part the children were left to their own imaginations. The children then worked in small groups to make their own stop-motion film. Stop-motion is a type of animation that is often linked with claymation.

The program encourages a hands-on approach for children to learn. The mission of the Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art is to merge “art and science creating innovative, interactive exhibits and programs that awaken curiosity, encourage experimentation, and improve understanding of the world around us,” according to its website.

“We don’t have many programs in technology, [there are] a lot of jobs in that area,” said Linda Archetto, Head of Teen Services at the Cranston Public Library. “Something [the kids] enjoy.”

Throughout the duration of this workshop, the children became artists, designers, directors, and videographers. They had the creative power in their hands.

“The bulk of our program is about them doing,” said Mary Rapien, Board of Directors member.

The Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art has numerous workshops planned for the summer break. After all, summer is not just about relaxation but about intensifying love of learning outside of the classroom.

For a list of upcoming workshops and events, visit the Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art website here.