work in a museum. Super Saturdays in “A Place for Discovery” take place the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. -4 p.m., with themed activities for children ages 4-8.
Changing art exhibitions showcase the best of Illinois art. From April 18-Sept. 6 this year the museum hosts the exhibition “L. Brent Kington: Mythic Metalsmith,” featuring a retrospective exhibition of a southern Illinois artist whose artistic footprint on the world of metalsmithing and blacksmithing is profound. L. Brent Kington is primarily responsible for forging the resurgence of blacksmithing as a contemporary art form and, in the process, nurturing new generations of blacksmithing artists. The retrospective spans more than 45 years and features objects borrowed from private and museum collections, including pieces of forged iron and steel that represent the transition to blacksmithing, forged iron and steel kinetic weathervanes, pieces from the Icarus series and his newer contemporary abstract sculpture. In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum will present a free family event, “Art @ Play,” on Saturday, June 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors will make crafts, play games and see blacksmiths and other artists demonstrate their craft. Children will learn how to make creative and fun toys at home.
On permanent display is the spectacular “Morton D. Barker Paperweight Collection.” View stunning examples of paperweights from renowned glass factories in France, England, Bohemia and the United States.
The Illinois State Museum Store is the place to shop for unique gifts made in Illinois. The store features one-of-a-kind jewelry, art glass, hand-turned wood, pottery, fiber, woven baskets and much more created by juried artisans throughout the state. The store also has a wide selection of educational toys and souvenirs.
The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring Street on the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets, just south of the Capitol Building in the State Capitol complex. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is free.
Free parking is available in the Visitors Center lot one block west of the museum on Edwards Street. For more information, contact 217/782-7386 www.museum.state.il.us.
