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Press Releases

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM KICKS OFF IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SILK ROAD, SUMMER IN CHICAGO 2006

Natalie Kreiger
Chicago Children's Museum
312.464.7727                                                                                                                      
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL, June 20, 2006 – In honor of the upcoming seven-month Chicago residency by Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) joins the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs to present In the Spirit of the Silk Road, a series of festivals that explore the historical, cultural, technological and ideological aspects of the Historic Silk Road. The Silk Road Project is a multi-year project founded by cellist Yo Yo Ma in 1998 that illustrates the historical connections of the Silk Road and supports innovative collaborations between composers and musicians from Asia, Europe and North America.

“Chicago is very fortunate to host Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble,” said CCM President and CEO, Peter England, “we are delighted to participate in this rich opportunity for cultural education and exchange. We will be able to teach Yo Yo Ma’s vision of a global collaboration of music and art to children of younger ages and inspire them to explore these traditions with their families.”

Chicago Children's Museum is a part of Silk Road Chicago: Summer 2006, the citywide celebration of Chicago’s multicultural legacy from June 1 – September 30. Featured are more than 200 events and activities including performances, concerts, exhibitions, tours and cooking classes. The centerpiece event is a free concert by The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma on June 26 in Millennium Park. To reserve hotel accommodations and Immersion Weekends, and to learn more about Silk Road.

Chicago: Summer 2006 events and activities call toll free, 1.877.chicago (1.877.244.2246) or visit www.silkroadchicago.org. For those calling from outside the United States, Mexico and Canada, please call 1.312.201.8847.  The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294.

In the Spirit of the Silk Road
Events at Chicago Children’s Museum
June-September 2006
All activities are free with museum admission

A Musical Journey Along the Silk Road
Thursday, July 20
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join performing artists from Chicago’s Korean, Chinese, Indian, and  Persian communities for an evening of dance and music in celebration of the Spirit of the Silk Road.  Admission to the museum is free during Free Kraft Family Night.

Arts Day 2006
Saturday, August 12
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate art from many hands as we explore the visual arts in a variety of forms.  This celebration will include artists from Chicago’s diverse cultural and ethnic communities who will share their artwork and techniques.

The Art of Printmaking
June 6 - 30
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 p.m. (Sun-Tues. and Thurs-Sat.) with additional classes at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 p.m on Thursday Kraft Free Family Nights
Learn how ancient peoples used engravings and prints to communicate with one another, and make a print of your own.

Creating with Clay
August 1 - 31
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 p.m. (Sun-Tues. and Thurs-Sat.) with additional classes at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday Kraft Free Family Nights
Explore one of the world’s oldest art materials!  Find out how people across time have used clay to transport goods, store important things, and express themselves. 

Trading Ideas: Collaborative Sculptures
September 5 - 30
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 p.m (Sun-Tues. and Thurs-Sat.) with additional classes at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday Free Family Nights
In the spirit of cross cultural trade and collaboration, we will share ideas and work together to create works of 3-dimensional art.

Travel Journals
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays @ 11:30 a.m.
Families can create a travel journal with secret places for mementos of their journeys and jaunts through the Chicago Children's Museum. Record your experiences just like a merchant on the Silk Road!

Caravan Adventure
Wednesdays @ 2:30 p.m.
In honor of Silk Road travelers, stake out a tent in the warm desert winds of our Under Construction exhibit and pretend you’re a nomadic trader.

About Chicago Children's Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where play and learning connect.  CCM teaches children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs.  With over fifteen interactive exhibits such as, The Allstate Foundation presents Play It Safe and new activities daily, every visit is unique for parents, caregivers, educators and children from toddlers-to 10 years.

Located at Navy Pier, Chicago’s number one attraction at 700 East Grand Avenue, CCM is the final stop for CTA buses #29, #65, #66 and #124.

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