We are pleased to announce that the construction of our new Paw & Play exhibit is complete!
This exhibit is a holistic approach to public safety through a helping lens with the help of our furry friends, the working dogs! Looking at K9 Dogs, Service Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Herding Dogs, and Therapy Dogs we learn how these canines help their human companions and the community at large. The exhibit itself is modeled after a training agility course, comparing and contrasting human vs. canine abilities with active play pieces and educational wall texts graphics, in Spanish and English.
Play pieces include a 'Canine Climb' rock wall, jump test, climbing rope with foam pit, balance beam, and small movable equipment to allow the option of guided activities. Each piece has a corresponding wall graphic or wall text that gives guidance or fun facts about our furry friends!
This installation was designed and executed entirely in-house with illustration and graphic design done by local artist Sam Lou and printing done around the corner at The Print Shop by Holyoke Art - it's a 100% local effort. From painting, to building, to installing wall graphics, it was all done by hand!
This exhibit is fully funded by the Barbara and Richard Whitcomb Foundation.
When? November 23rd
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Free Admission!
12:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Regular Museum Admission
Where? 444 Dwight Street, Holyoke, MA 01040!
Tabling organizations, refreshments, and visiting therapy dogs will be upstairs in our picnic area and guided activities and crafts will be run downstairs on the Museum floor in and out of the new exhibit!