Finished Spindle Whorls

Spindle Whorls were originally small hand held spinning wheels for spinning fibers. Carved by First Nation’s artists to make them more attractive, they have since become an art form, sometimes made in larger sizes like the ones in the Squamish L’íl’wat Cultural Center. At 7-½ ft in diameter, these are the largest ever made that actually rotate. Towering over you as you enter the cultural center, they make an impressive sight.

Hugh Dasken of H. Dasken Mechanical and Technical Innovations had responsibility for design (excluding the carving), manufacturing and installation of the pedestals, based on a conceptual design by D. Jensen and Associates. The project presented some unique engineering challenges. Since each one weighs approximately 1,500 pounds and stands 15 feet tall they had to be made exceptionally strong. Quiet operation was also important, so the enclosure for the electric drive mechanism incorporated custom engineered soundproofing to allow the Spindle Whorls to rotate silently.

Both pedestals were fabricated out of steel and finished with polyurethane paint resulting in a durable and attractive finish. They were fabricated in Vancouver and carried to Whistler Village on flat bed semi trailers. The pedestals were then erected inside the Cultural Center where they were secured to the concrete floor with large anchor bolts. Last of all, the huge cedar Spindle Whorl disks were lifted carefully into place and attached to the rotational mechanism on each pedestal.

Hugh Dasken reports that this project was rewarding for both its engineering challenges and the magnificent way it showcases the carvings.

Zhenkang Li and Ian McLennan, in Shanghai, China

Recently in Shanghai TAA board member Ian McLennan met with Zhenkang Li of the Conter Group. The Conter Group is contracted for a number of specialized services to the EXPO 2010 Corporation.

Zhenkang is one of TAA’s most trusted and able supporters in Shanghai – and has met with and assisted, on several occasions in the past, several TAA members – including Duane Fast (Artcraft Advertising), David James (Panther Management), and Hal Kalman (Commonwealth).

Zhenkang Li and Ian discussed a number of proposed initiatives – particularly for the post-Expo 2010 period, including residual usage of the Expo grounds (events and development), art projects, and other possibilities. They also discussed ease of entry into major pavilions by TAA and other exposition professionals during the run of EXPO 2010.

On Tuesday, June 23, The Themed Attraction Association of Canada held its Annual General Meeting at The Cultch.

The Cultch

Following the AGM, the Executive Director of The Cultch, Heather Redfern, led the group on a tour of the facility. The Cultch has experienced an amazing refurbishment and transformation. This phase is nearing completion.

At their 7th annual Awards Gala held in Regina, Saskatchewan, on June 6th, the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) announced the 2009 winners of the CASCADE Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in science and technology engagement by its members. Two individuals were recognized for their contributions to the field. Nominations for Outstanding Career Achievement are adjudicated by the CASC Board of Directors. One of the winners was TAA Member, Ian C. McLennan.

Ian McLennan has been integral in the field of science communication for almost 50 years. Beginning his career as a science centre executive, he has now developed an international reputation as an ‘extra-ordinarily well-informed and effective consultant’ in the development and operations of science centre, museum and planetarium experiences.

In 1960 Ian was founding Director of the Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium in Edmonton, the first planetarium to open in Canada. He later became Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, NY. In the mid 1970s, Ian became the Director and General Manager of the newly opened Ontario Place complex, including its ground-breaking IMAX Theatre.

As a consultant Ian’s work has taken him all over the world. His clients have included UNICEF, CERN, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Griffith Observatory and the International Planetarium Society.

In Canada he has worked with science centres, planetariums and museums in eight provinces. In the words of a long-time colleague, ‘Ian’s exceptional devotion has inspired many to pursue careers in the science centre field and has raised expectations for what science centres bring to their local communities.’

Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver

TAA Member Event announcement:

2009 June 23

TAA Annual General Meeting
and
behind-the-scenes tour of
East Vancouver’s newly refurbished Cultch
Event begins at 6 PM
1895 Venables Street, Vancouver

Meeting Notice

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd
TAA Canada Members
assemble a few moments before 6:00 PM
at Burrard Entrance of the
Vancouver Convention Centre
corner of Burrard Street and Canada Place
Pre-registration required (see below)

Attendance at this special event may be limited. TAA members are asked to register by e-mail to Special Events Co-Chair Ian McLennan with their name, affiliation and number of people attending (should be TAA members or prospective members). Ian will compile the list and relay it on to the hosts at the Convention Centre.

Note: Registration deadline for this tour is Tuesday, April 21st at NOON, Pacific Time.
The tour will be under the direction of Harnek Nijjar, the Centre’s manager of services — accompanied by three other tour guides. In attendance will be one of the architects from Musson Cattell Mackey.

Artcraft Display Graphics Inc. recently completed the graphics for the brand new Ningxia Science Center. The center brings the world of high-tech to a remote region of northern China. Located in the provincial capitol of Yinchuan, the 3 storey high structure features a planetarium, a childrens’ museum and exhibits on many facets of science- including geology, natural history, paleontology, aerospace, astronomy and world history.

The exhibits were fabricated in China by Artcraft partner Beijing Jiazhong Yuanjian Art and Science Technology Ltd. Graphics were designed in China and printed by Artcraft in their Port Coquitlam premises using their environmentally friendly embedded polycarbonate process.

The National Association for Interpretation is a US based association that focuses on interpretation for parks and museums (and is affiliated with TAA Canada). Since NAI’s inception in 1954 it has grown to include members from all over the world.

To recognize this international stature, NAI members Duane Fast (Artcraft Display Graphics Inc. and TAA director), Theresa Coble (Stephen F. Austin University, Texas) and Jim Wilson (University of Missouri, St. Louis) recently founded a new International Section of the NAI.

Goals
• Promote internationalism by providing opportunities for member to increase international understanding and cultural competency.
(Internationalism: n. the advocacy of a community of interests among nations/ people, Oxford Dictionary )
• Promote opportunities for members to network internationally and form academic, business and professional partnerships.
• Create a forum for members to share their international experiences and knowledge.
• Create a “home” within NAI for international members.
• Serve as the primary source for news related to international interpretation.
• Support NAI international initiatives.

Mission Statement
• To foster an understanding of world heritage through cultural exchange, international networking and professional development.

And the International Section of the NAI is off and running!

There was a fantastic kick-off event at the recent NAI National Conference in Portland. Guest speakers Ted Cable shared some fascinating insights into working in Africa from a foreigner’s perspective and Aaron Maluwa gave us the inside story about Malawi. Membership is increasing rapidly and interest is global. For more information click ==> www.naisections.org/INTL.

Technorati Tags: NAI

TAA member David Jensen was recognized at last week-end’s annual conference of the British Columbia Museums Association in Victoria, BC.

The honour, for David’s lifetime work in the museum field, was presented at the Society banquet by the Executive Director of BCMA, Jim Harding.

Technorati Tags: BCMA, British Columbia Museums Association, David Jensen

YVR Airport
TAA event sponsor on October 23
will provide free parking for 40 TAA members
For this event:

Clive Grout’s Illustrated talk
Thursday, October 23rd
5:45 PM to 7:45 PM
Link Building at Vancouver YVR International Airport
(between domestic and international terminals)

For more information click here
The first forty TAA members to sign up for the event
will be afforded free parking
courtesy of YVR – one of the event sponsors.

Technorati Tags: clive grout, YVR