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 What’s in the StoryJar? Stories, of course!
The StoryJar is the centerpiece of the StoryLab, ImaginOn’s major exhibition area. Computer stations surrounding the jar invite visitors to take a peek behind the scenes in the costume shop, redesign the storyjar, dress actors, fingerpaint, and sing along with the reading bug. More games will be added over time, so keep checking back for more!
Elizabeth Martin’s dollhouse, built by her father Joe Martin, was made for telling stories. The house is a scale replica of the house Joe’s Aunt Sara owned in Savannah. ImaginOn is proud to “keep the house” until Elizabeth’s daughter is old enough to play with it. Look closely to find all the tiny treasures Joe and Elizabeth recycled as they built and furnished the house.
Have you always wanted to put on a show? Wonder what goes on behind the scenes to make onstage magic happen? A little stage-shy but interested in puppets? New, theatre-based interactive zones throughout the Storylab provide opportunities for kids of all ages to explore the mysteries of theatre magic, perform and watch their own performances.
The ImaginOn Mural - Ongoing
Who would have thought that in 8 short weeks a bare concrete wall could be transformed into a one-of-a-kind work of art? Teacher Dave Theissen and his art students from South Charlotte Middle School did!
Dave and his students spent the summer of 2006 designing and painting a mural inspired by ImaginOn’s mission…bringing stories to life.
 Growing UPtown
ImaginOn’s neighbor, the Charlotte Trolley, has built a kid-scaled version of Car #85, designed to allow children – especially those aged 3 to 8 – to climb aboard and play! The trolley has real sound effects, scrolling window scenery, and costumes and props to encourage dramatic play and stories of real trolley rides. In addition, the Charlotte Trolley education staff offers free trolley-themed activities every Wednesday and one Saturday per month at 10, 11, and 12:30pm.
Go to www.charlottetrolley.org for more details
 StageCraft - Ongoing
This ongoing series of mini-exhibitions provides a closer look at the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring Children’s Theatre productions to the stage. Past displays have included a look at costumes, set pieces, props, special effects, and interviews with actors, directors and designers. Displays – like the productions they explore – are always changing.
Please check back for future upcoming exhibit information.
 Children of Jerusalem Painting Pain, Dreaming Peace
March 9-July 15, 2008
In partnership with Mecklenburg Ministries and other organizations across Charlotte, ImaginOn was proud to serve as the host location for this internationally touring exhibition. Palestinian and Jewish children living in Jerusalem created the 61 original paintings during a three year art program for reconciliation initiated by The Institute for the Study of Religions and Communities in Israel. The children’s artwork traces, in line and color, their emotional journey from fear to friendship, from alienation to hope for peace.
 Contraptions A-Z
February 4, 2008 - May 25, 2008
ImaginOn is thrilled to welcome Contraptions A-Z, this year’s major traveling exhibition! Contraptions A-Z combines art, history, science, music, literature and language into 26 (of course!) clever mechanical devices - many made from recycled parts - each playfully celebrating a letter of the alphabet.
 Bill of Rights! October 5-7, 2007
ImaginOn is proud to have been a stop on the statewide tour of the Bill of Rights! North Carolina's copy of the Bill of Rights has a colorful history. The document was taken from the State Capitol in 1865, and an undercover FBI investigation recovered it in 2003. This precious copy of the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution is one of only 13 copies circulated to the states. Learn more
 Once Upon a Time... Exploring the World of Fairy Tales - January 13, 2007 – May 20, 2007
ImaginOn’s first major traveling exhibition! Once Upon a Time invited visitors into the magical world of fairy tales. With the help of a grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Magic House Children’s Museum and the St. Louis Public Library created this one-of-a-kind exhibition.
ImaginOn celebrates stories of all kinds…and the places stories happen. Elizabeth Martin’s dollhouse, built by her father Joe Martin, was made for telling stories, and was the centerpiece of Small Spaces, Big Stories. Other features included a display of set models, “ImaginOndo Condos” built by visitors, a glow-in-the-dark house used onstage by Children’s Theatre in Fahrenheit 451, and a collection of storybook houses inspired by fairy tales and nursery rhymes.
 CANstruction® - through October 1, 2006
ImaginOn hosted the third annual CANstruction® competition, sponsored locally by The Society of Design Administration and the American Institute of Architects. Over 25,000 cans were used in six sculptures at ImaginOn, and following the exhibition all the food will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank for distribution to soup kitchens, homeless shelters, low income daycares and other hunger-fighting organizations.
Learn more about CANstruction
 Red, White & You - through early November, 2006
This traveling exhibit, first displayed at the Charlotte Museum of History, was organized by Flags Across the Nation. The exhibition included kids’ patriotic artwork, lovingly preserved as quilts and flags.
Get more information about Flags Across the Nation
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