MUSIC & RHYTHM Cutting-edge software allows children to conduct a virtual performance of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra in the Lee Family Concert Hall. A special climbing structure invites children to create sounds and musical patterns using a talking drum, walk-on keyboard, electronic drums, giant chimes, a PVC-pipe organ and a special 10' tall percussion "cascade." Children can experiment and create a variety of music in The KOSS Sound Studio, which will be updated in the fall of 2006 to include a multi-track mixing board with KOSS stereophones for a realistic sound-engineering experience.

DANCE & MOVEMENT Children will love seeing themselves on a big-screen TV as they perform their own choreography in this one-of-a-kind dance studio. Mini video dance lessons created by the Milwaukee Ballet enable children to experiment with basic steps, and a video library allows children to select and view dances from around the world. And, children can experiment with movement using a special shadow wall that creates unique effects for viewers on the other side.

THEATER & PUPPETRY Colorful costumes, props, changeable backdrops, set decorations – even a balcony – will help children create the perfect performance once the curtain is drawn in the exhibit's kid-sized theater. Children can create their own show in an enhanced puppet theater, complete with a wide variety of Folkmanis® puppets, scripts, props and sound effects. The puppet play continues in activity stations featuring shadow puppets and marionettes.

VISUAL & LANGUAGE ARTS A variety of art and craft materials will help children make-and-take a masterpiece, and experiment with pattern-making and mixed media. A special kiosk is devoted to helping adults learn more about selecting arts-focused toys and games that stimulate learning. Additional activities will encourage children to explore the language arts as they create funny stories, solve rebus puzzles and discover famous quotes spoken in languages from around the world.

While playing in the exhibit, parents and caregivers will find signage and literature that communicates how the visual, language and performing arts positively support a child's healthy development, along with tips on how to enhance the learning experience. A resource kiosk, Arts Central, and library provides caregivers with books on a variety of art forms and information about arts programs, performances and lessons offered by arts organizations throughout the greater Milwaukee area.

Click here to learn more about upcoming special arts performances and programs that complement It's Artastic!

Exhibit Partners/Sponsors: The Dunlap Family, the Fleck Foundation, the GE Foundation, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's Mary L. Nohl Fund and Anita B. Steinman Fund, the Helen Bader Foundation, Koss Stereophones, Arlene Wilson Lee and Joel Lee, the Maihaugen Foundation, the Marcus Corporation Foundation, the City of Milwaukee Arts Board, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Deborah and Timothy Nustad, Quad/Graphics, the Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, the Stackner Family Foundation and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funding from the State of Wisconsin.

Media Sponsor: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel