In honor of the season, I wanted to share a recent letter from the director which thanks local supporters of Leonardo's and Oklahoma Arts. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

From the Director…by Julie Baird

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” Mary Dunbar

Did you see that bright light shining on Enid? It was truly incredible and ONLY made possible by a dedicated army of public servants who love Enid, not only for what is has been and now is, but for what it could be in the future.
The Oklahoma Arts Council recently held their statewide conference in Enid. It was called “Arts at the Crossroads: Telling Our Own Story,” and many of your local arts entities, including Leonardo’s, did just that. It was a wonderful three days, bringing more than 200 artists and arts enthusiasts from forty-two Oklahoma communities here to see what makes Enid so special.
I had the privilege of serving as local conference chair, but I certainly cannot take all the credit for its success. The process actually started eighteen months ago when Maestro Douglas Newell of Enid Symphony Orchestra submitted the proposal. His was one of twelve received by OAC, and Enid was selected based on his promise that the entire arts community could pull together to host. He was right!
There are so many individuals and organizations to whom I owe my sincere appreciation: Thank you to Senator Patrick Anderson for taking time to welcome the conference to Enid. I really appreciate President Donna Rogers, and the entire Greater Enid Arts & Humanities Council who were with me every step of the way. From filling goody bags, to staffing the registration table for three full days, you all made work feel like fun. Thanks also to Shane & Sara Scribner and H. & Edna Mae Holden for outstanding opening night receptions in their galleries. On Thursday evening, GEAHC joined forces with the Chautauqua Council of Enid to provide food for a reception at Leonardo’s. Thank you to Dr. Eve Switzer and the Groovin’ G’s, who were our wonderful entertainment. Gaslight Theatre and Enid Symphony Orchestra also performed “vignettes” on Thursday evening, and Enid Public Schools provided bus transportation between venues both evenings. Some local restaurants also offered live local music both nights. I especially appreciate local businesses who donated items for “goody bags,” including NWOSU, Continental Resources, Enid Community Foundation, Autry Technology Center, and TPI Staffing.
More than Enid’s arts were showcased during the conference. Dr. Ron Duggins of the James Strate Business Development Center at Autry Technology led a breakout session on being an entrepreneur, and Lew Ward of Ward Petroleum shared why he is so supportive of local arts efforts during a general session entitled, “The Arts and Corporate Citizenship.” Mollie Babb and I also presented a marketing session called “Matching Your Organization’s Creativity to Fill a Community Need, ” and the Scribners served on a panel about revitalizing downtown spaces. Enid has so much to be proud of and now everyone knows it!
What will the future bring to Enid? Now that we have all worked together to host a successful conference, I hope all local artists and arts patrons will continue to seek ways to support each others’ efforts. Maybe someday, we will even have a recognized arts district which will improve economic development. Now that’s something we can all get behind! Let’s all share in the privilege and adventure of discovering Enid’s special light.

Holiday Gift Ideas

The leaves are changing colors outside, and inside all the little goblins are coming down from their sugar rush. That can only mean one thing ... time to get ready for the winter holidays!
While you are running around Enid looking for a place to buy the perfect gift, don't forget about Leonardo's Holiday Gift Shoppe. It is filled with educational toys for children of all ages -- that includes grown-up kids too. There are wooden puzzles, rubber animals, ready-to-paint pottery, art supplies, t-shirts, trains, and toys galore. Everything sold at Leonardo's is designed to inspire children to use their imagination while learning. With an extra-full inventory, this could be the largest toy store in town during the holiday season.
While you are shopping at Leonardo's also keep in mind other gift ideas such as a family membership here. A family membership is only $10 a month and includes unlimited admission to the museum and Adventure Quest, discounts on classes and events, regular e-mails with upcoming program information, member appreciation weekends, and special member previews. This is a gift that truly lasts all year long!
Another great gift idea, especially for teachers, is to purchase an art or science class. The class can be schedule at the teachers convenience, and we can even instruct at the school or home if requested. How great -- education and holiday cheer all wrapped in one gift!
So don't stress about gifts this year, Leonardo's has everything you need to inspire and enrich children of all ages.
See you around!

October and November events

Fall Break Camp, held on October 16 and 17, was a huge success. With a "rock and roll" theme, the kids painted to music, made art with rocks and so much more. It was our shortest camp of the year, but still large in fun! We are already preparing for our Spring Break camp, which will be held March 16-20 ... so add it to your calendars now!

Some other events to add to your calendar for the months of October and November are:

Toddler Music -held every Wednesday for children ages 2 to PreK

Davinci Players - theatre education held Tuesday thru Friday for children ages 4 -12 years.

Science club - held every Tuesday.

Adult pottery - held every Monday evening for "children" ages 18 and over. (don't worry, we won't try and guess your age)

Weekend Wonders - Scheduled for Saturdays, Oct 25, Nov. 8, and Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is a science-related class that will have you say "WOW, I'm lovin' it!" Sponsored by McDonalds.

Happy Halloween - Booo! Did I scare you?

Discovery Saturday and Afternoon Art - Scheduled for Saturdays Nov. 1, Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These are art-related classes for kids Pre-K to 6 grade.

Holiday Toy Shoppe opens to the public Nov. 22. This is a great place to find education toys for all children.

Happy Thanksgiving - Nov. 27. Don't forget to take the turkey out of the refrigerator at least two days ahead of time. No one likes an undercooked bird.

The weather is getting cooler so I want to remind all our Adventure Quest patrons that the playground will be closed if weather is below 40 degrees or if it is raining. We do this for safety reasons, and because we care about you. If it is closed you are still welcome in our warm and exciting museum - that stays open no matter how cold it is!

Welcome to Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse blogspot!

I am so excited that you are looking at Leonardo's blog!

This is a new forum for us, so our members and community can look at what is going on here. We are constantly adding new programs and hosting fun events, and we want to make sure everyone knows about them.

I would also like to use this blog as a means for YOU to comment on your experience with us. We are here to enrich and inspire children of all ages by creating fun learning opportunities. We would not he here without the support and input of our community, so let us know how we can improve.

We look forward to seeing you at Leonardo's -- now lets start creating and exploring!