Meta Shaw Coleman Children Imagination Station Brochure

Children’s

Meta Shaw Coleman

IMAGINATION

STATION

VISION BOOK

Letter from the Director

DEAR FRIENDS,

Children have infinitely expansive imaginations. At the

Turner Center for the Arts, we are always amazed by

how our youngest visitors engage with art within our

classes and galleries; they see beauty in the everyday

and possibilities in the mundane. We believe that

our inner child fuels the creative spark in each of us.

As the premier regional arts hub, the Turner Center

brings out the imaginative kid inside all our visitors.

We engage our multi-generational audiences in

creative play and artistic experiences that not only

enrich their lives, but also improve the social and

economic health of our vibrant Valdosta, Lowndes

community and surrounding South Georgia and North

Florida regions.

With your support, we have a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity to deepen the Center’s offerings for

our youngest visitors through the Meta Shaw

Coleman Children’s Imagination Station—a magical

experience, where kids discover local industries

and STEAM careers, explore new forms of tinkering

and artmaking, and grow into confident, creative

individuals.

This book offers our vision for the Meta Shaw

Coleman Imagination Station. We hope that what

you see inspires you to join us — making it possible

for our children to foster and grow the creative spark

inside themselves, so it burns brightly throughout

their entire lives.

Please join us on this incredible adventure,

Sementha Mathews

Executive Director

smathews@turnercenter.org

Meta Shaw Coleman

Children’s

IMAGINATION

STATION

The Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station

is named after Dan Coleman’s late mother. Meta Shaw

Coleman was beloved by many who remember her as an

early childhood educator who founded and operated a

nursery school, taught at Valdosta City Schools, Valwood

School and Wiregrass Technical College. She served many

local organizations and boards to advance the quality of

education and life in our community.

META SHAW COLEMAN CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION STATION | VISION BOOK | LUCI CREATIVE | 3

“

CHILDREN ARE

NATURALLY

CREATIVE.

IT IS OUR JOB

TO GIVE THEM

THE FREEDOM,

MATERIALS

& SPACE

TO LET THEIR

CREATIVITY

BLOSSOM

TO ITS FULL

”

POTENTIAL.

Jean Vant Hul

Meta Shaw Coleman

Table of

Contents

The Journey

Vision

The Big Idea

Key Messages & Goals

Audiences

Experience Typologies

Explore The Station

Visitor Journey & Destinations

Destination 1 Your Possibilities

Destination 2 Full STEAM Ahead

Destination 3 Georgia Grown

Destination 4 Sky’s the Limit

Destination 5 Music Makers

Destination 6 Story Crossroads

Destination 7 Sky Walk

The Journey

Vision

The Big Idea

Key Messages & Goals

Audiences


META SHAW COLEMAN CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION STATION | VISION BOOK | GYROSCOPE INC | 6

Vision

The vision of the Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission (LVAC), parent

organization of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and

the Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station, is to:

Inspire all people to appreciate

and use creative play and artistic

experiences to enrich their lives

and to improve the social and

economic health of their vibrant

communities.


The Big Idea

CONNECTIONS, CURRENTS &

CROSSROADS

We are all connected; to our families, our

community and our planet. By exploring new

connections and experiences we will become

better stewards of our future together.

META SHAW COLEMAN CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION STATION | VISION BOOK | GYROSCOPE INC |

8

Key Messages

& Goals

Key Messages

I can find inspiration in the everyday.

I can learn by making mistakes and trying

new things.

Interdisciplinary exploration builds

creative skills that I apply to every area of

my life.

Goals

Derived from Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE)

Consider STEAM Careers

GSE VA5CN.1

Think Critically

GSE VA5.RE.1

Draw on Inspiration

GSE VA5.CR.2

Choose the Right Tools for the Job

GSE VA7.CR.2

Collaborate with Others

GSE VA5.CN.3; Georgia Department of Education STEM/STEAM Program


Audiences

The Children’s Imagination

Station is a family-friendly

adventure. Primary visitors

will be children aged 2-12

and their caregivers. These

include:

Elementary Schoolers

Toddlers

Pre-Schoolers

Early Adolescents

Title 1 School Groups

Military Families

Caregivers

People with Disabilities


Experience

Typologies

A set of varied experiences

whose qualities reflect CIS’s

needs and goals

At the heart of the visitor experience for

the Children’s Imagination Station, lies

an immersive world of hands-on STEAM

experiences. Visitors of all ages can explore

and create, drawing inspiration from the local

context. Experiences will weave in career

connections, creativity, and 21st Century

Skills to foster appreciation for the diverse

pathways within the realms of Science,

Technology, Engineering, Arts, and

Mathematics (STEAM).

As a testament to inclusivity, the Station

embraces the needs of all visitors, offering

moments of quiet reflection, flexible spaces

for unfacilitated exploration, and spaces for

unique programming. Moreover, dedicated

early childhood elements provide our

youngest learners with age-appropriate

opportunities to engage, and embark on

their own exciting STEAM journeys.

Local

Inspiration

Career

Connections

Interactive

STEAM

Experiences

Quiet

Spaces

Early

Childhood

Flex

Spaces



Local Inspiration Career Connections Quiet Spaces

The Children’s Imagination Station draws

its inspiration from the authentic sources

of South Georgia. The exhibits will vividly

reflect the local community, businesses,

environment, and culture, establishing

a distinct and meaningful connection to

Valdosta and the surrounding region.

Each destination tells a compelling story,

embodying the vibrant and unique that

defines South Georgia.

Within each destination, The Children’s

Imagination Station will shine a spotlight on

diverse careers, weaving context into the

fabric of the exhibits. Enriching the visitor

experience, captivating graphics, immersive

media, and interactive elements will

showcase the tools of the trade and peak

children’s curiosities through open-ended

exploration. Visitors will be introduced to

the stories of real workers who wield these

tools, fostering a deeper appreciation for

the interconnectedness of professions and

empowering young minds to be inspired to

their potential.

The Children’s Imagination Station

recognizes the importance of providing

moments of calm amidst the lively

atmosphere. The Children’s Imagination

Station will offer designated spaces

for children and families with sensory

regulation needs, providing quiet

environments for relaxation and resetting.

Comfortable seating is available throughout

the Children’s Imagination Station.



Flexible Spaces Early Childhood STEAM Experiences

The Children’s Imagination Station takes

pride in crafting flexible exhibits that

empower children and families to freely

explore and engage. The majority of

the experiences will be designed to be

self-guided, allowing visitors to dive in

and immerse themselves in hands-on

exploration. Some of the destinations

possess inherent flexibility, making them

adaptable for special programming. This

mediated programming enhances the

standard experience, catering to school

groups and special events.

The Children’s Imagination Station will

be thoughtfully designed to cater to a

wide age range of children, ensuring

an inclusive and enriching experience

that keeps the full family together. A

designated early childhood area will

captivates and engage our youngest

visitors (5 and under). Furthermore,

several exhibits will be carefully crafted

to accommodate varying levels of

engagement, appealing to both older and

younger children alike.

At the core of all exhibits in the Children’s

Imagination Station, you will find a

captivating array of hands-on, interactive

experiences. These immerse visitors in

a world where Science, Technology,

Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

converge in delightful harmony. The

exhibits forge unexpected connections

between diverse disciplines. With an

emphasis on creative problem-solving

and skill-building, these immersive

experiences ignite the imaginations

nurturing the innovative thinking

necessary to shape a bright future.


Explore the

Imagination

Station

Visitor Journey & Destinations

Destination 1 Your Possibilities








Visitor Journey

Destination 1 Welcome to Your Possibilities

Enter through a portal to your imagination. A

train inspired arrival transports you to the future.


STEAM interactives introduce children to the

space and start their imagination.


Children connect with nature, discover the

wonders of produce and explore locally grown

products.


In this destination children explore the skies,

construct new worlds, and understand the

weather.

3

4 5


Children play with musical instruments and

mixers to express themselves through rhythms,

melodies and lyrics.


In this storytelling destination, children express

themselves through film, dress-up and the

written word.

1

2

7

6


Experience the Imagination Station from this

new vantage point, with ‘Safe-Risk’ Full body

play.


Destination Diagram

4. SKY’S THE LIMIT

5. MUSIC MAKERS

Agriculture Lab

3. GEORGIA GROWN

Good Stewards

Career

Connections

Forestry

Tree house

Flight

Simulator

Career

Connections

Skyscraper

Workshop

Weather

Station

Musical

Instruments

Audio Tools

Sound Stage

Heart

Orchestra

Career

Connections

Lyrical Lab

Farmers Market

(Early Childhood)

Wellness Garden

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Code

Your Car

7. SKY WALK

Word Wall

Film Studio

Suit Up

Studio

1. WELCOME TO

YOUR POSSIBILITIES

Tracks to

The Future

Welcome

Station

Loading

& Balance

Gravity

Dash

STEAM Train

2. FULL STEAM

AHEAD

A Curious Mind

Quiet Flex Space

Writing

Nooks

Career

Connections

6. STORY CROSSROADS


Destination 1

Welcome To Your

Possibilities

Entrance

Wayfinding

Enter through a portal to your

imagination. A train inspired

arrival transports you to the

future.


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 1

Welcome To Your

Possibilities

Entrance

Embark on an inspiring journey as you

step through our train tunnel-inspired

entry, seamlessly transcending time

and space, allowing you to witness

the convergence of past, present, and

future. The portal will be enhanced

by projections, lights, or imagery that

leave an indelible wow experience. As

you arrive in the lobby, you’ll discover

a check-in area, storage cubbies, and

restrooms.

Welcome

Station

Tracks to

The Future


18

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 1

Welcome To Your

Possibilities

Wayfinding

Train station inspired imagery

directs visitors throughout the

Imagination Station. Other train

station inspired elements like flip

signs and environmental graphics

provide context and charm to the

space.

Welcome

Station

Tracks to

The Future


19

Destination 2

Full STEAM Ahead

Steam Train

Gravity Dash

Loading & Balance

Steam Flex Stations

Code Your Car

STEAM interactives inspire

children to explore and

jumpstart their imagination.


Destination 2 :

Full STEAM Ahead

Possible Career Connections

• Engineer

• Software & Hardware Designer

• Loadmaster

• Logistics Manager

• Robotics


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 2

Full STEAM Ahead

STEAM Train

This stand alone interactive exhibit

will let children experience a modern

train with cutting-edge touchscreen

windows. Through these displays,

children embark on a virtual journey

discovering destinations within the

station and gaining insight into the

exciting realm of STEAM careers.

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Code

Your Car

Loading

& Balance

STEAM Train

Gravity

Dash


22

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 2

Full STEAM Ahead

Gravity Dash

The captivating Gravity Dash is a

dynamic and open-ended challenge

that offers flexibility within its system,

allowing children to employ various

approaches to solve it. With whimsical

elements incorporated, children

engage in playful manipulation of the

wall and balls while simultaneously

gaining a foundational understanding

of basic physics principles.

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Code

Your Car

Loading

& Balance

STEAM Train

Gravity

Dash


23

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 2

Full STEAM Ahead

Loading & Balance

Inspired by the loading process of

train cars onto tracks, this exhibit

on loading and balance presents

an engaging exploration of this

fundamental concept. Emphasizing

the significance of balance as a

crucial developmental stage in

children, this area is designed to

nurture fine motor skills, develop

spatial reasoning and coordination.

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Code

Your Car

Loading

& Balance

STEAM Train

Gravity

Dash


24

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 2

Full STEAM Ahead

STEAM Flex Stations

These versatile stations serve as the

perfect backdrop for STEAM-based

interactive elements that can be easily

swapped out throughout the day or for

special programming, allowing for a

diverse range of immersive experiences.

The three flexible tables provide space

for ever changing content, ensuring that

each visit is unique.

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Code

Your Car

Loading

& Balance

STEAM Train

Gravity

Dash


25

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 2

Full STEAM Ahead

Code Your Car

Children will delve into the fundamentals

of coding, gaining an understanding

of how to translate instructions

into a language that machines can

comprehend. Using color-coded cards,

they will construct mazes and set their

electric vehicles in motion, observing

whether the cars follow their instructions

and successfully complete tasks.

Children will develop problem-solving

skills and grasp the essential concepts of

coding in a tangible way.

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Code

Your Car

Loading

& Balance

STEAM Train

Gravity

Dash


26

Destination 3

Georgia Grown

forestry treehouse

farmers’ market

wellness garden

agriculture lab

good stewards

Children connect with nature,

discover the wonders of

produce and explore locally

grown products.


Destination 3 :

Georgia Grown


• Industrial Maintenance Technician

• Wild Land Firefighter

• Plant Geneticist

• Forester

• Nutritionist


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 3

Georgia Grown

Forestry Treehouse

Step into the Forestry Treehouse and

embark on an immersive journey,

where children are guided through

the life cycle of a Georgia pine

tree, from farm to sawmill, trees are

transformed into everyday products.

Explore the profound impact of these

remarkable trees as they contribute

to our world, providing oxygen and a

wealth of valuable resources.

Agriculture

Lab

Good

Stewards

Career

Connections

Forestry

Treehouse

Farmers

Market

(EC)

Wellness

Garden


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 3

Georgia Grown

Farmers Market

A dedicated area for children five and

under. This vibrant market featuring

locally grown produce, is designed to

foster imagination and open-ended

play. Within this early childhood zone,

little ones are invited to explore roles

of a shopper, merchant and farmer.

Agriculture

Lab

Good

Stewards

Career

Connections

Forestry

Treehouse

Farmers

Market

(EC)

Wellness

Garden


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 3

Georgia Grown

Wellness Garden

Investigate locally grown produce and

its profound impact on your body’s

health. Use novel technology to gain

a deeper appreciation between the

interplay of sustenance and well-being.

Build positive relationships with the

food you consume. Health Science

careers are featured in this area.

Agriculture

Lab

Good

Stewards

Career

Connections

Forestry

Treehouse

Farmers

Market

(EC)

Wellness

Garden

META SHAW COLEMAN CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION STATION | VISION BOOK | GYROSCOPE INC. |

31

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 3

Georgia Grown

Agriculture Lab

Step into a local farm, where the

journey from planting to final

product unfolds before your eyes.

Children will work to cultivate their

plants, while gaining an appreciation

for the technology and resources

required to nurture a seed into a

piece of produce you eat. Possible

plants to feature could include citrus,

blueberries, carrots or bell peppers.

Agriculture

Lab

Good

Stewards

Career

Connections

Forestry

Treehouse

Farmers

Market

(EC)

Wellness

Garden


32

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 3

Georgia Grown

Good Stewards

Immerse yourself in the ambiance

of South Georgia’s extraordinary

natural environment, this destination

fosters a connection to this unique

habitat. Children will develop a love

for the environment and actively

engage in safeguarding our precious

natural world.

Agriculture

Lab

Good

Stewards

Career

Connections

Forestry

Treehouse

Farmers

Market

(EC)

Wellness

Garden


33

Destination 4

Sky’s the Limit

skyscraper workshop

weather station

flight Simulator

In this destination children

explore the skies, construct

new worlds, and understand

the weather.


Destination 4 :

Sky’s The Limit


• Air Traffic Controller

• Drone Operator

• Meteorologist

• Civil Engineer

• Architect

• Pilot


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 4

Sky’s the Limit

Flight Simulator

Take control of a virtual cockpit

with a simulated flight over South

Georgia. Explore aircraft controls,

navigation systems and local terrain.

Flight

Simulator

Career

Connections

Weather

Station

Skyscraper

Workshop


36

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 4

Sky’s the Limit

Skyscraper Workshop

This open-ended, hands-on building

exhibit, features mass timber as

a sustainable example of new

construction. Children embrace

the role of architect and engineer,

through designing, building and

testing their own wooden structures.

Through the sheer quantity of

building blocks along with fun

challenges, this exhibit creates a

unique building experience.

Flight

Simulator

Career

Connections

Weather

Station

Skyscraper

Workshop


37

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 4

Sky’s the Limit

Weather Station

Understand weather systems by stepping

into the shoes of a meteorologist and

present a weather report. Children

also can create mesmerizing weather

sounds and see real time data fed from

sensors found outside the Imagination

Station. Additional sensory experiences

could include wind generator or a static

electricity interactive.

Flight

Simulator

Career

Connections

Weather

Station

Skyscraper

Workshop


38

Destination 5

Music Makers

Sound Station

Lyric Lab

Heart Orchestra

Children play with musical

instruments and mixers to

express themselves through

rhythms, melodies and lyrics.


Destination 5 :

Music Makers


• Recording Engineer

• TV or Film Composer

• Music Producer

• Musician


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 5

Music Makers

Sound Stage

Children unleash their inner studio

engineer and enter the world of

music production. They will play,

mix and create songs using unique

technology in this exhibit. They

will hear from musicians on what

inspires their music.

Musical

Instruments

Heart

Orchestra

Sound Stage

Career

Connections

Audio Tools

Lyrical Lab


41

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 5

Music Makers

Lyric Lab

At the Lyric Lab, children joyfully

explore the creation of music through

hands-on interactions with musical

instruments, embracing the power

of their own voices as instruments

and discovering how technology can

enhance their musical expressions.

Musical

Instruments

Heart

Orchestra

Sound Stage

Career

Connections

Audio Tools

Lyrical Lab


42

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 5

Music Makers

Heart Orchestra

Children can experience their own

heartbeat through music. Utilizing

heart rate monitors, their heartbeats

will be translated into signals that

play instruments in sync with their

pulse. As more visitors engage with

the sensors, more instruments join

in, creating a collective musical

experience. This exhibit also serves

as a platform to teaching children

about the importance of heart

health.

Musical

Instruments

Heart

Orchestra

Sound Stage

Career

Connections

Audio Tools

Lyrical Lab


43

Destination 6

Story Crossroads

suit up studio

film studio

word wall

a curious mind

In this storytelling destination,

children express themselves

through film, dress-up and the

written word.


Destination 6 :

Story Crossroads


• Visual Effects Coordinator

• Cinematographer

• Film Director

• Show Runner

• Publisher

• Journalist


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 6

Story Crossroads

Suit Up Studio

Children explore fun costumes

and uniforms, all of which become

integral elements in the the

immersive Film Studio experience.

Film Studio

Word Wall

Suit Up

Studio

A Curious Mind

Writing

Nooks

Career

Connections


46

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 6

Story Crossroads

Film Studio

Children transform into actors, and

directors. They will don costumes

from the Suit-Up Studio, select

settings and story lines and bring

their scenes to life in front of a real

green screen. Children can add

simple augmented reality effects to

change and enhance the scene.

Film Studio

Word Wall

Suit Up

Studio

A Curious Mind

Writing

Nooks

Career

Connections

META SHAW COLEMAN CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION STATION | VISION BOOK | GYROSCOPE INC. | 47

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 6

Story Crossroads

Word Wall

Children respond to a series of

prompts with an interactive word

wall. Visitors can share their

thoughts and see other responses,

making connections to the larger

community.

Film Studio

Word Wall

Suit Up

Studio

A Curious Mind

Writing

Nooks

Career

Connections


48

EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 6

Story Crossroads

A Curious Mind

A multi-purpose quiet space for

children to relax, read a book, write

and recharge. It also serves as a

gathering space for field trip groups

and casual presentations.

Books will be provided on multiple

STEAM careers. A large monitor will

also be integrated into the space for

special programing.

Film Studio

Word Wall

Suit Up

Studio

A Curious Mind

Writing

Nooks

Career

Connections


49

Destination 7

Sky Walk

Sky Walk

Experience the Imagination

Station from this new vantage

point, with ‘Safe-Risk’ Full

body play.


Destination 7 :

Sky Walk


EXPLORE THE STATION

Destination 7

Sky Walk

Sky Walk

Building both physical skills and

mental confidence, the sky walk

offers a path where gross motor

challenges abound, forging

connections to the destinations

waiting to be discovered below.


52

Naming Opportunities

3. GEORGIA GROWN

4. SKY’S THE LIMIT

5. MUSIC MAKERS

Throughout the space, custom

signage and graphic treatments offer

ample opportunity to incorporate

sponsorship logos and messaging.

Various signs and graphics throughout

ensure that visitors encounter

intentional and attractive sponsorship

branding in a way that complements the

space’s overall aesthetic. Permanent

exhibits will be supplemented by

seasonal programming.

Options

Destinations

Name or logo displayed on introductory

signage in each destination

Premier Exhibits

Name or logo displayed on or near the exhibit

in each destination

Featured Exhibit Element

Name or logo integrated as a decorative

motif into a featured activity

Gift Recognition

Name on wayfinding

Agriculture

Lab

Good

Stewards

Career

Connections

Farmers Market

(Early Childhood)

Welcome

Station

1. WELCOME TO

YOUR POSSIBILITIES

Tracks to

The Future

Forestry

Treehouse

Wellness

Garden

Career

Connections/

STEAM Train

STEAM

Flex

Stations

Flight

Simulator

Ball

Run Wall

Weather

Station

Loading

& Balance

Career

Connections

Skyscraper

Workshop

Code

Your Car

2. FULL STEAM AHEAD

Soundstage

Audio Tools

Word Wall

Musical

Instruments

A Curious

Mind

Writing

Nooks

Career

Connections

Lyrical Lab

Film Studio

Heart

Orchestra

Suit Up

Studio

Career

Connections

6. STORY CROSSROADS

7. SKY WALK (shown dashed)


Thank You!

Meta Shaw Coleman

Children’s Imagination Station

Committee

committee members

Courtney Gooding, Chair | Dan Coleman | Tina Folsom | Tangela Kimber

Evelyn Langdale | Sementha Mathews | Lisa Posas | Sally Turner Querin

Bruce Smith | Steven Walker | Nancy DeRuyter Warren

NOTES

Meta Shaw Coleman Children Imagination Station Brochure

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