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ARTS
: Photo pjfev i ded by rnyhotposters.com
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PIXAR COMES TO LIFE
BY W l L l ^ M > A g R l S * ^ ^ ^
ARTS & CULTURE EBJTpsft
1
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W ithout a doubt, Pixar is one o f fh e '
most w ell-know n and loved movie,
studios in the world. The company’ s
movies, shorthand other projects have^
done much not ohly to shape computer
science but the childhoods o f multiple
generations.
Those twomonjriDutionsto th e ifo r ff
are e x a ^ y S |h a L £ |e 'shfew' exhibit at
the OreaB^f ^w s^&iyojfeSBence and
Industry f& t h s ^ ^ ft | sthWpirf)lic. ‘‘The
Science Behind Pixaitf exhibitUs a Walk
through experience that shows how a 3D
animatedTftriSsmade Item concept to
final showing and is filled with hands-
on fun for kids arid people of all ages.
The traveling exhibit originated in the
Museum of Science in Boston and has
been making its way around both the
country and the world in an American
and international form. Its most recent
stop in Portland started on Feb. 23 and
will remain there until Sept. 2, giving
people plenty of time to visit and explore.
Being an attraction based on Pixar’s
extensive line of family-friendly movies,
the exhibit is great to bring children to
for a fun for all ages experience, the
attraction is already crowded most
days with field trip groups and families
enjoying it, fj
Sandy Stahl and her granddaughter
came to see the display and both
expressed their enjoyment of it. “ She
really liked it,” Stahl said. “ She likes to
play with the computers though, and
playing with all that. ”
The whole experience is a great way
to spend time with your younger family
members while teaching them about
computer science.
But for those, fans over 21 who want
a less hectic day without kids around,
there’ s “ OMSI After Dark,” a monthly
event where adults 21 and over can buy
tickets to see themuseum without any
kids. ?
"
f / W e do, them usually on the last
W ednesday of every m o n th ,” said
Ruthie Aldrich, iri'event organizer and
employee at oMSI. “ Next month willbe
i‘Baek to the Future’ and it will be March
*27, so people will have the option to
buy tickets to come see Pixar or just to
explore the general museum as welL”
These events can be a great way to get
a more calm OMSI experience since the
museum can be filled with dozens of kids
on nearly every day of the week.
But it’ s not just a display for your
favorite Pixar properties, as the title
suggests, it’s also a showcase for the real
world science and computer Work that
goes into every scene. Many students
currently attending CCC for computer
science degrees can get a lot out of seeing
the real world applications of their work.
Not to mention all the other artistic
careers given lip service in the exhibit
like 3D modelers, anim ators, sound
designers, musician and plenty more.
W hile there’ s plenty of fun playful
activities for kids there are also more in-
depth displays that show the complicated
and fascinating processes u§ed in the
movies. Along with full interviews of
Pixar staff about their jobs and their
process.
Students of these fields could learn
a lot from “ The Science of Pixar,” and
get some entertainment out of their day
while doing it. As OMSI educator Jennifer
Powers said, “ Visitors can interact with
digital touchscreens, get hands-on with
physical activities and learn from video
stories showcasing Pixar employees
and the diverse work they do. Plus, who
doesn’t love a good self ie with a larger
than life Pixarcharacter?”
A ticket can cost about $21 or more
depending on the event package you
choose, plus paying for parking, which
can be a little steep for a college student
on a budget. A few other activities being
shut down due to construction, limiting
some of your options while there. But
“ The Science Behind Pixar” is a highly
rated experience that m any from
Portland and beyond are giving positive
reviews. So whether you’re looking for
a fun day out with your family, or your
an old fan looking for a nostalgia trip,
everyone can get something out of “ The
Science Behind Pixar.”
Life-sized versions of Mike and Sully from “Monsters University,” top.
The progress of Cars Lightning McQueen from sketch to 3D model, bottom.
Photo provided by OMSI
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