MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is back!
After a long year of coronavirus-caused closure, the museum in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone reopened April 29, and has seen its visits pick up where they left off — albeit with attendance limits and some exhibits temporarily closed under public health guidelines.
During the shutdown, MOXI lived up to its name by innovatively shifting its exploration opportunities to online programming. For those unable or not yet comfortable returning in person, “at-home” learning options continue via the museum’s website and social media platforms.
But the museum at 125 State St. is again bustling with activity, especially with its most popular exhibits, like Build It, Test It, Race It; Light Patterns; and Whitewater.
A member since MOXI opened in 2017, my first introduction was a hard-hat tour with visionary Jill Levinson. I’ve spent countless hours there with my two granddaughters, although it’s debatable whether they’re having more fun than I am watching them light up in amazement at the exhibits. We can’t wait for a return visit.
On Tuesday, the museum held its spring luncheon — virtually, of course. “The Power of MOXI” was an information and fundraising event presented by Sonos, which matched the first $10,000 in donations for the day.
The Lunch + Learn was co-chaired by MOXI board chairwoman Alixe Mattingly and board member Kelly Almeroth, and showcased the transformative power of hands-on, play-based learning experiences in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
Eji Experiences assisted with the visuals and sound for the virtual production while Duo Catering & Events delivered lunch to the first 100 attendees who signed up.
After inspiring welcome remarks from Mattingly and Almeroth, guests heard from MOXI president and CEO Robin Gose and Los Angeles Pierce College child development assistant professor Alma Cortés, before MOXI public programs manager Kevin Spracher stole the show in an entertaining conversation with Gose.
Nancy Sheldon was honored with an inaugural award recognizing her more than 12 years of volunteering for the museum, a decade of service on the Board of Directors, and her leadership in the $25 million capital campaign that launched MOXI.
Sheldon played key roles in ensuring MOXI’s LEED certification, building its leadership team and guiding its early education vision.
“Nancy took a big and audacious idea, to build a museum for children of Santa Barbara, and helped create this amazing space that has now been enjoyed by over 500,000 visitors from around the world,” Mattingly exclaimed.
The instantly iconic building, designed by the late Barry Berkus, has become a destination for children young and old, educators, locals and tourists. In just a few short years, it’s established itself as a pillar in our community’s educational ecosystem.
The virtual luncheon’s chat room was lively with attendees posting messages to one another as online donations piled up. More than $73,000 was raised during the hourlong event.
MOXI’s education fund supports a variety of programs: 10% is reserved for scholarship recipients, virtual design labs are offered at an accessible rate, Title 1 schools receive additional support though low- or no-cost field trips, and admission is free for teachers in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
“Not all children have opportunities to ask questions, tinker and create, which is why MOXI is here — and why we are doing everything we can to provide equitable access to our museum and programs to explore the world through STEAM,” Gose said.
“Donations can ensure that every child can discover, play and explore, and to see themselves as scientists, engineers and innovators. MOXI sparks learning with fun.”
Most of all, Gose and her staff are excited to be back and fulfilling the museum’s mission.
“We rejoice and look forward to a year rediscovering the joys of exploration, curiosity and play,” she said.
— Judy Foreman is a Noozhawk columnist and longtime local writer and lifestyles observer. She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.