LICM can always be counted upon to provide activities that are enjoyable, creative and (yes) educational, in a way that children respond to, especially during the school vacation periods. As program director Edith Doron explained, "I'm a parent too and I know how important it is to have something creative, educational and fun to do during their school holidays. LICM has a responsibility to cater to our community's needs and we felt this one way we can be of special service."That means museum visitors can take part in a 10-day period of original programming, ranging from a folk arts series to arts and crafts workshops and nature programs.
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Lee Ognibene Presents "Bug Bugs Insects" - Saturday, Apr. 3, 1 and 3 p.m. Children ages 4 and up can explore the world of insects, their natures, habits and movement during this multi-media, interactive presentation.
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South Indian Dance with Sridhar Shanagum - Sunday, Apr. 4, 1 and 3 p.m. Renowned artist and founder of CS Art Theatre, Sridhar Shanmugam performs classical Indian dance. A family culture workshop, "Hand of Fortune," is also held in conjunction with the performance. Participants can make an authentic Indian fabric printing block and create designs on fabric.
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Puerto Rican Masks - Tuesday, Apr. 6. Discover the traditional vejigante carnival masks of Felipe Rangel, founder of La Hermandad Cultural de Artisanos y Artesanias Puertorriquenflos. At the family culture workshop, "Masks of Carnival," guests can mold their own carnival masks while listening to the rhythms of Plena music.
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Astronomy Day - Wednesday and Friday, Apr. 7 and 9, 1-4 p.m. It's Astronomy Day at Nassau County museums; LICM offers a performance of the Navajo folk tale, "How the Stars Fell into the Sky," which explains how the night sky was formed by First Woman and Coyote. A "Written in the Sky" workshop follows, where visitors can create their own galaxy.
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Japanese Taiko Drum Performance, Thursday, Apr. 8, 1-3 p.m. Hear Hiro Kurashima perform on the taiko, followed by a drum-making demonstration. In keeping with the oriental theme, attend the family culture workshop on Gyotaku. Learn about the printing process of "fish rubbing," using sumi ink and rice paper to create an artwork.Events continue through Tuesday, Apr. 13, with a film shorts festival about Long Island animals, a program on "Reptiles of the Rainforest" and "Fish Tales," and imaginary fishing trip on Long Island waterways. It all happens at 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. For further information and reservations, contact (516) 224-5844 or www.licm.org.
The Cradle Of Aviation Museum
Another local treasure, Cradle of Aviation has many, ongoing, worthwhile exhibits that highlight the region's aviation heritage. In addition, its annual Astronomy and Space Day, takes place Wednesday, Apr. 7, with full schedule of activities.
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Rockets Away Workshop - Participants can create a rocket that launches (using the fizz power of Alka Seltzer tablets!); 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
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IMAX Films - Watch breathtaking films about flight and space. Shown hourly are "Magic of Flight," "Straight Up" and "Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure."
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Mars Virtual Voyage Ride and Spirit and Opportunity Display - Visitors can feel like they are actually exploring the Red Planet. Spirit and Opportunity Mars Rover replications will be on display; all day.
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Amateur Observers Society of NY - Learn about light pollution and astrophotography, with free Starlab mini-programs, solar telescope and sunspotter viewing (weather permitting); all day.Other presentations feature collaborations with local public schools. The museum is located on Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City. For further information, contact (516) 572-4111 or www.cradleofaviation.org.
The Long Island Museum Of American, Art, History & Carriages
Stony Brook is a charming village to explore on pleasant spring day. While there, visit the Long Island Museum, which offers two Vacation Ventures program.
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Art Smarts: Printmaking - Wednesday, Apr. 7, 10 a.m.- noon. Children ages 5-7 can explore printmaking in action. After a visit to the "African-American Works on Paper" exhibit, guests will learn about different printmaking techniques and then make their own block print to take home.
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Get Smart About Art: Introduction to Painting - Thursday, Apr. 8, 10 am.-noon. At this workshop, children 8 and up can create paintings based on famous artwork using acrylic paint on canvas. Participants are introduced to various artistic styles and periods and will learn about painting technique.The Long Island Museum is located at 1200 Rte. 25A, Stony Brook. For further information and reservations, contact (631) 751-0066 or www.longislandmuseum.org.
Seal Cruises
Enjoy the outdoors with the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. The organization is conducting spring cruises on weekends throughout April that highlight Long Island's seal life. Cruises sail from Point Lookout, lasting approximately 2 1/2 hours. Boarding begins at 12:30 p.m., with a 1 p.m. departure. Passengers are welcome to bring binoculars and cameras. For further information and reservations, call (631) 369-9840 or www.riverheadfoundation.org.
