MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 19, 2018) – The i.d.e.a. Museum proudly announces an additional major sponsorship for current exhibition, Far Out: Our Solar System. Bright Health committed its
financial support earlier this month, as the company also values supporting the healthy development of children and engagement of families. The Minneapolis-based health insurance
provider for everyday Americans has offices in Phoenix.
“We are thankful for the support of our community partners, which make it possible to create experiences that foster imagination and creativity,” says Sunnee O’Rork, i.d.e.a. Museum
executive director. “We hope to grow more community support for the museum, and we’re grateful that Bright Health saw the value we provide to families in the Valley.”
The exhibition, which continues through Jan. 20, 2019, features art and hands-on activities that explore planets and other wonders of outer space. Featured activities include:
- Blasting off into the solar system with the space travel simulator
- Using a “Passport” to explore the solar system and learn facts about each planet
- Learning how much weight varies on different planets
- Exploring Area 51 (updated Black Light Room)
- Building prototypes of space crafts
- Observing meteorites on display
The exhibition features 56 artworks by 20 artists from the United States and Australia. Works include paintings, photographs, quilts, wood sculpture, video, digital collages and a site-specific
installation. In addition, items are on display from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University.
The exhibition is also sponsored by the City of Mesa, the i.d.e.a. Museum Board of Directors Inc., POGO Pass and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, which receives support from the
state of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Other financial contributions – supporting the museum’s Access for All fund – come from the Gila River Indian Community, Season for Sharing, Wells Fargo Foundation and The Steele
Foundation. The museum’s Access for All fund helps pay for programs such as school field trips and free days at the museum. The Steele Foundation also continues to provide funding for
the Artful Tales Experience, an art and literacy program designed for children ages 2 to 5.