Summer Monsters take over Bolton Museum

Monster Challenge 2009 was part of the museum’s ‘Find Your Talent’ young people’s project, which accompanied the museum’s major summer exhibition, Simple Beginnings: the Story of Evolution. 

Young people researched creatures from the museum collections. They had the opportunity to tour the Simple Beginnings: the Story of Evolution exhibition and the participants had a behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium where they were able to see the piranhas being fed. They also took part in an exciting handling session with live stick insects.

The young people worked with professional artists Kirsty Archibald & Fiona Smith to create 3D evolved creatures from the future. They experimented with a range of different artistic techniques and created exciting sound effects for their creatures with the Rhythm FX team.  Working in 3 teams, they composed narratives, which explained how their evolved creatures interacted together in either polar, rainforest or aquatic habitats.

The fantastic week culminated on Friday 31 July with a celebration in the lecture theatre. Participants gave a presentation for parents, family and friends and received certificates of achievement.

Throughout the week, young people developed confidence and team working skills, as well as taking part in fun, creative games and activities.

These are some of the comments from the children:

“I thought today has been exceptionally fun and I think the leaders are fun, caring and encouraging. I know that tomorrow will be even more fun.”

“It has been interesting, fun and creative and I have made new friends.”

“I have had a spectacular time”

A Parent commented:

“Thank you so much to everyone who was involved – not only have you occupied a week of the holidays, but have made him happy, contented and he had fun.”