|
|
Featured Image: Axiom Astronaut John Shoffnerat Crayola Experience Easton
(photo provided by Crayola)
EASTON, Pa. (July 14, 2023) – Families visiting Crayola Experience Easton today got a stellar opportunity to meet Axiom Space Ax-2 astronaut John Shoffner, and learn about the importance of art and imagination in science.
Shoffner, who piloted the SpaceX Dragon in May for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), spent the day with several hundred children and parents at the family attraction in downtown Easton, Pa., sharing how he realized his dream of becoming an astronaut and encouraging kids to reach for the stars.
Besides being a life-long space enthusiast, Shoffner is a business pioneer in fiber optics, an aviator, an auto racer and a STE(A)M advocate. During his presentation he spoke about the training he underwent, details about his mission to the ISS, what it was like to live and work in space, and how art and creativity played an important role in his journey.
“If I met an astronaut at 10 years old, or if arts and sciences were more heavily integrated throughout my formative years — it wouldn’t have taken me a lifetime to live out my dream of going to space,” said Shoffner, who still has the painting he created at the age of 10 of an astronaut floating in space. “You have an opportunity to pursue your calling, and the adults in your life have an obligation to nurture it to the best of their ability.”
Shoffner’s appearance was paired with space-themed creative activity inspired by the Crayola® Imagine Arts AcademyTM. The Mad Science of WNJ provided craft sessions for kids to make a comet super ball. The academy is a partnership between Crayola® LLC and Mad Science® that was formed in 2016 and uses art programs to develop critical thinking skills and engage children in creative collaboration.
“Crayola Experience is about enlivening the creative spirit in the hearts of children of all ages. John’s unique story and his interaction with families today helps us to spark wonder, unleash the imagination, and encourage kids to follow their dreams,” said Jennifer Murray, Crayola Experience Easton marketing and sales manager. “And what better place to let your imagination and creativity soar then here at Crayola Experience.”
Throughout the duration of Shoffner’s 12-day mission, he hosted live events with schools around the world. While on orbit, Shoffner captured educational videos to excite the next generation of space enthusiasts, facilitated an International Art and Poetry contest in collaboration with Crayola Experience that garnered more than 930 entries from 26 countries, and participated in skinsuit testing in partnership with MIT that will shape the future of space exploration.
Today, Shoffner aims to showcase the value that space commercialization brings to Earth. With his mission behind him, Shoffner’s next ambition is to support the growth of STEAM education in schools. He will be launching the Perseid Foundation in Fall 2023, encouraging students to follow their calling and providing teachers the resources to monitor and support student trajectory.
About Crayola® Imagine Arts AcademyTM
Crayola Imagine Arts Academy is an enrichment concept that inspires children ages 5-12 by developing their creativity and critical thinking skills, through art. With locations across North America, it uses art programs as a medium to teach kids about real world topics like animal conservation, design careers and cultural awareness. Crayola Imagine Arts Academy promotes empathy and understanding through after-school programs, camps, birthday parties, and community-based workshops. Each class gives kids a chance to express themselves creatively and take home a beautiful masterpiece that they’ve designed, as well as a little more knowledge about the world they live in. To learn more, visit www.imagineartsacademy.com.
About Crayola Experience Easton
Discover the magic of color at Crayola’s premier and one-of-a-kind family destination. More than 25 creative activities and attractions throughout 65,000 square feet of color await families at the Crayola Experience flagship in Easton, Pa., the birthplace of Crayola crayons. Bigger, brighter and bolder than ever, the adventures of Crayola Experience help kids and adults alike explore art and technology, express their creativity, and experience color in a whole new way. Also featuring live entertainment and The Crayola Store with the world’s largest selection of Crayola products and unique souvenirs. The brand’s other attractions are located in Orlando, Fla.; Mall of America (Bloomington, Minn.); Plano, Texas; and Chandler, Ariz. To learn more, visit CrayolaExperience.com/Easton or join the conversation at Facebook.com/CrayolaExperience.
Information provided to TVL by:
Constance Walker
Crayola Experience
