For Immediate Release: July 18, 2006
Media Contacts: Emma Filar, Marketing & Communications Associate
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2006 Festival of the Building Arts: News Release
National Building Museum’s Annual Festival Makes “Green” Building Fun for Families!
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ever wonder what it's like to build "green" or be a master craftsperson? Visitors can discover the skills and secrets employed in the building arts and learn how expert builders help conserve the Earth's resources at the National Building Museum's Festival of the Building Arts on October 7, 2006, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Get inspired and work side by side with master craftspeople to explore uses for alternative building materials such as cob, straw bale, and clay plaster; construct an energy efficient model house or "green" roof to take home; help assemble a sculpture made from plumbing pipes; and see how designers and architects use sustainable materials in their work. Learn how to "go green" at home by visiting demonstrators identified on a special "Go Green Passport" and receive a green-themed gift from the Museum!
The annual free, one-day Festival is green-themed this year to coincide with the Museum's groundbreaking exhibition The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture and Design, which will be open for viewing. Held rain or shine, the Festival will allow visitors to explore eco-friendly design principles while participating in and observing the full spectrum of building crafts. Visitors can also receive expert advice for home-improvement projects in addition to participating in hands-on activities. The Festival of the Building Arts is presented by The Associated General Contractors of America.
As many as 25 master craftspeople will lead visitors through demonstrations and hands-on activities that celebrate the built environment. Woodworkers, stone carvers, art glass designers, and others will share details about their unique skills as visitors work alongside them. Families can try their hands at building a dry stone wall, laying brick, thatching a roof, wood working, stone carving, or even participate in a nail driving contest! A free hard hat will make youngsters part of the team and the action. Youngsters can climb aboard construction equipment at the outdoor "petting zoo" or watch craftspeople build furniture from tree limbs while parents get tips and tricks from professional roofers, dry wall finishers, plumbers, and contractors, among others.
Exhibitions on view at the Museum during the Festival include The Green House, Investigating Where We Live, Building Zone, Cityscapes Revealed, and Washington: Symbol and City.
The Festival of the Building Arts is presented by The Associated General Contractors of America. Washington Parent Magazine is a local media partner.
The Festival of the Building Arts is free and appropriate for all ages. A $5 donation is suggested. No reservations are necessary for individuals. Scouts and other large groups should call 202.272.2448 or email scout@nbm.org to register.
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents more than 32,000 firms, including 7,000 of America's leading general contractors, and over 11,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org, or contact AGC at 2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201, 703.548.3118. Media contact: Kelley Keeler, Senior Director of Public Affairs, 703.837.5310. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Twitter: @BuildingMuseum and Facebook.
