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NEWS BRIEFS
Clay Center opens two new exhibits on pipefish and salt mines
CHARLESTON — Adults and kids alike can now explore two new exhibits in the Clay Center's Avampato Discovery Museum. They include a temporary interactive display dedicated to the pipefish species and a permanent installation in Earth City featuring actual tools from historic West Virginia salt mines.
Through Sept. 27, Pipe Dreams will be showcased featuring real pipefish, a live sea horse and hands-on activities. For this exhibit, the Clay Center partnered with West Virginia University research assistant professor Dr. Jennifer Ripley Stueckle on a grant from the National Science Foundation. Once she received the funding, Dr. Stueckle created the exhibit for display at the Clay Center.
Although pipefish and seahorses have been a fascination of researchers for more than 100 years, the reproductive functions of these species are not well defined. Dr. Stueckle's research focuses on exploring the placenta-like roles of the brood pouch for two species of pipefish found in the Chesapeake Bay. The display guides visitors through the process of scientific discovery and explains the biology of these creatures.
As part of Pipe Dreams, Clay Center educators will present science demonstrations on shells, sand and ocean sounds. Visitors can even be a part of the research by filling out surveys related to the exhibit.
Another new display has opened in the Clay Center's Earth City. Guests can get a fascinating look at the history of salt mining in West Virginia. The first commercial salt furnace began operating at the mouth of Campbell's Creek in 1797. Area salt makers used innovation to build a state-of-the-art industry, forming the Kanawha Salt Company in 1817. The exhibit explains the process with images and some authentic artifacts used for salt mining in the Kanawha Valley during the 19th and 20th centuries. All tools on display are courtesy of Mary Price Ratrie.
Gallery admission is $5.50 for children and $7 for adults. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.theclaycenter.org for more information on upcoming events and exhibits. The Clay Center will be closed July 4.
