CORPORATE, FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT GIVING NEWS

Black Creativity On Display

An Griffin MSI tradition for more than half a century, the Black Creativity Program has kicked off 2022 with a whole new slate of activities, events and celebrations around the contributions of African Americans in science and the arts.

The Black Creativity Gala returns to its home at Griffin MSI for a memorable evening of scientific curiosity, artistic expression and cultural pride on Saturday, February 19. At this special event, we support the Museum's STEAM education programs as we empower curiosity and creativity in Black communities. Featured entertainment will include Marqueal Jordan & The Players, the Chicago Children's Choir, The Pack Drumline and DJ LipGloss. The annual raffle of United Airlines vouchers is open now, and tickets are on sale until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19. You do not need to attend the Black Creativity Gala to win.

The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition is also back, with a new collection of nearly 200 challenging and inspiring artworks from professional artists and a growing community of youth creators. The show is open now, with our online gallery coming soon to a computer near you! 

A special thank you to the sponsors and the Gala chairs who are making Black Creativity possible all season long:

• The Allstate Insurance Company, co-chair Cheryl Harris, Senior Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement Solutions
• BMO Harris Bank, co-chair Eric Smith, Vice Chair
• Complete Care Management Partners, LLC, co-chair Dr. Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, Founder and CEO
• Zing Health, Inc., co-chair Dr. Eric Whitaker, Founder and CEO

Build Your Itinerary Around The Art of the Brick

Tickets are available now for our highly anticipated new exhibition, The Art of the Brick! Reserve now for an up-close look at the world’s largest traveling display of LEGO® art. You’ll be transported by artist Nathan Sawaya’s sculptural interpretations of some of the world’s wonders and cherished masterpieces, as well as a multimedia collection of LEGO® brick-infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.

It’s art, it’s science … it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Corporate Volunteer Opportunities

New volunteer opportunities are available this spring in our Jr. Science Cafés. These small, focused learning sessions offer young people a chance to interact directly with STEM professionals. During Cafés, students will discover the work of scientists and engineers through meaningful conversations and activities. These learning experiences aim to change the perception of a “traditional” scientist by engaging professionals of all ages, backgrounds, interests and career paths, sending the message that anyone can pursue a career in STEM.

• Sessions are intended for elementary and middle school students, 8-14 years old.
• Schedule: 30 minutes in length. 3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• New participants will receive an orientation and a technical rehearsal a week prior to the session.

Corporate volunteers help the Museum achieve its vision to inspire and motivate our children to reach their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine. If you are interested in leading a session or have questions, please contact Dulce Enriquez to reserve your date. Thank you for your commitment to science education.