Cafecito con Vlad Episode One (feat. Eli Brady)

Welcome to Cafecito con Vlad, with your host, Vlad Lora Pardo. Vlad is a former ModSquad member and current Alebrijes fellow. Working closely alongside the Alebrijes artists, staff, and volunteers, Vlad provides a unique perspective into the exhibit and its impact on the local community. Come along as Vlad interviews the people behind our new iAlebrijes! Exhibit.

In episode one, Vlad has a conversation with current ModSquad member, Eli Brady, about all things Alebrijes, ModSquad, and Canes..? Stop by FCMoD to create an Alebrije of your own and get real time “behind the scenes” updates on our giant Alebrije installment.

Listen to the Podcast:

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4 Tips To Boost Your Field Trip Experience at FCMoD

Field trips at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery are special and memorable for all ages, and a great way to positively impact students and their learning experiences. Here are some things we thought of to help boost your field trip experience at FCMoD:

  • Find the best time to visit. Finding the best time to visit can make all the difference. If you’re visiting to support your curriculum, consider booking your visit 1-2 weeks before or after your unit to help students feel most connected. If you’re hoping to have lunch outside, experience nearby trails and parks, or visit nearby museums and restaurants in Downtown Fort Collins, you might want to keep seasonal weather in mind. FCMoD asks for reservation requests at least two weeks in advance and works with educators and group leaders to explore availability and itinerary options. Booking your field trip well in advance can help give you more peace of mind and time to plan a more memorable experience for your group.
  • Embrace the exploration expectations. FCMoD field trips give groups the experience of limitless discovery and help promote a stronger, accessible connection to history, science, culture, and community. To help ensure that this experience is the most fun, engaging, educational and safe for all, we encourage groups to review a few expectations before their visit. By embracing these exploration expectations before and during their field trip, students can take pride in being respectful of each other and their surroundings, while helping us preserve history, science, and culture in Colorado.
  • Access the Archive, Special Exhibits, and more. Before making your field trip request, check out the Dome Show schedule, Special Exhibits, the Archive & Collections and more. All of these can be included in the group rate to boost your field trip experience at FCMoD – whether your group is studying space, wildlife, music and sound, or local and regional history, including an immersive, hands-on, or behind-the-scenes experience can really help keep students excited and engaged. Did you know we have 4 new exhibits coming in 2024 and 2025? Ask about shows, tours and floor program availability when submitting your field trip request.
  • Plan some activities and learning tools. Field trips at FCMoD are intentionally self-guided to encourage limitless discovery, exploration, and reflection. That said, the Gallery offers a fresh canvas for educators and group leaders to get creative with how to best engage their students with curricular and extra-curricular goals in mind. Maybe a scavenger hunt connecting what you’re learning in the classroom to artifacts on display? How about museum bingo, to help ensure maximum engagement during visitation? Maybe a field note worksheet, asking students to reflect on their experiences? Options are endless, and we love ideas! To help plan and prepare any activities, educators and group leads are invited to request a complimentary guest pass when booking their field trip so they can tour the gallery floor before visiting.

Don’t delay! FCMoD’s spring field trip season is filling fast, and we’re now booking field trips and camps for the summer. To learn more about group visits and field trips at FCMoD, visit our Group Visits page. When you’re ready to request a visit, please submit this online reservation form. For questions about Group Visits, please contact Carlos Barata, Events Liaison, at cbarata@fcmod.org.

img credit: City of Fort Collins Flickr

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What’s Going On @ FCMoD: February

Whether you’re a member or first-time visitor, every month at FCMoD is jam-packed with limitless discovery! Here’s some fun you can look forward to at FCMoD in February: 

2/1: Membership Relaunch – in case you missed it, we rolled out all new membership levels to help simplify your experience and better connect you to all the benefits of being a member! To learn more about pricing, benefits and new programs, please visit explore membership preview. 

2/9, 7-9:30am: 17th Annual Winter Bike To Work (or Wherever) Day Fort Collins’ 17th Annual Winter Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day is almost here! Join 48 stations, hosted by over 100 local businesses and organizations (including FCMoD!), all around Fort Collins for free breakfast, comradery, and two-wheeled fun before and after work. Swing by FCMoD at the corner of Cherry & Mason Streets for some healthy snacks and a chance to win free passes and an Explore 5 Membership! 

2/16, 5-8pm: Monthly Member Nightone of our newest Member perks, FCMoD is extending operating hours to host “Monthly Member Nights” on the third Friday of every month! Join us from 5 – 8 PM and enjoy all that the museum has to offer, exclusively for members, after hours. Not a member yet? Become a member today! 

2/21, 6-9pm: Music Industry Nightcalling all musicians, promoters, music lovers and more, Music Industry Night is a regular peer-to-peer evening hosted by FCMoD and Fort Collins Musicians Association for the music community of Northern Colorado to safely connect, find resources, and have fun. Enjoy free dinner by provided by Music City Hot Chicken and join Jamaal “Boss Eagle” Curry for a hands-on workshop on leveling-up your online merch store in time for FoCoMX.  

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday, 10am-12pm: Meet the Animals – join us in our Animal Encounters exhibit and discover some amazing creatures we share this planet with. Animals of all kinds from creepy crawlies, wet and slimy, to soft and furry. Don’t miss out on making a new animal friend! 

Every 1st & 3rd Saturday, 10am-12pm: Ferret Feeding – join us in our Natural Areas Exhibit to learn about the conservation work being done to return black-footed ferrets to the wild, from the national captive breeding program to new advances in cloning. Meet our black-footed ferrets, Dude and Churro, and watch as our furry friends tear into their weekend meal.  

We hope to see you at FCMoD this February – and don’t forget to check our calendar regularly for Dome Shows, Floor Programs, and new events!  

Image Credit: City of Fort Collins

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Hey There New and Renewing FCMoD Members

We’ve got exciting news! Starting on February 1, 2024, we’ll be rolling out all new membership levels to help simplify your experience and better connect you to all the benefits of being a member. Our new Explore 2, Explore 5 and Explore 8 levels of membership will get you:

  • a year’s worth of unlimited gallery access
  • admission to three free special touring exhibitions in 2024
  • discounted admission to the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater
  • discounts in the Museum Café, Store and on birthday rentals
  • access to hundreds of ASTC museums worldwide
  • access to 11 History Colorado Sites and Museums
  • subscription to newsletters and member updates

For those looking for the deepest connection to YOUR museum you can level up with an Explore More Add On which gets you all of the above plus:

  •  access to hundreds of North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM)
  • early Registration for programs and workshops
  • free Admission to Daily Dome shows and Weekend Music Shows
  • Meet & Greet Behind the Scenes tour with Executive Directors

It’s a brave new era for Members here at FCMoD – come explore more!!

To learn more about pricing, benefits and new programs please see our membership page

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Sonic Spotlight 2023: Meet The Bands!

Sonic Spotlight Finalist Showcase is coming up on December 13th at Washington’s at 7pm!

Tickets are on sale now

Come check out these young rippers on the rise and cheer on your hometown heroes!

 Learn all about this year’s finalist in the bios below. See you there!

autumnal

autumnal is a fuzz folk band from Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado. They combine the
storytelling of folk songwriting with the tones and pedals of shoegaze to create a unique
sound they’ve dubbed ‘fuzz folk’. autumnal is fronted by childhood best friends Annalee
Knies on guitar and vocals and Geneva Hein on synth and vocals. They are rounded
out by Justice Murray on bass and Nina Dorighi on drums. Their lyrics detail the lives of
twenty-somethings navigating the world; writing about everything from queerness to
climate change. They strive to make the music scene a move inclusive space for
anyone who wants to get involved, starting with their own shows.

clementine

This quintet, freshly squeezed out of Fort Collins, CO, consists of bright guitar riffs
juxtaposed with heavy-hitting drums and lyrics. With an alternative rock, punk, and
soulful grip on the music they write and perform, clementine offers something unique
and diverse. Their energy is over-the-top intense, and their sharp, in-your-face
presentation is something you just have to see.

Stone Jackals

Stone Jackals is a Colorado rock band formed by high school friends in 2018. We play
many types of music from indie rock to heavier garage rock. We have recently played
shows with acts like The Orwells and Zella Day and want to continue to increase our
presence in Colorado and elsewhere.
“Chemical Canopy holds the fort down as part of the new wave of indie
rock-inspired, neo-psychedelic style. It’s steady bouncing bass with simple but
effective guitar riffs and low, smooth vocals that pleasantly reverberate in your head. It’s
funkadelic rock with a dash of dopamine to ease a tired mind after a long week.”
– Andrew Venegas, 303 Magazine

 

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Sonic Spotlight Applications Now Open (Closed August 31st, 2023)

Sonic Spotlight is back! Now in its fourth year, this musical showcase highlights emerging music and young artists living in Northern Colorado. Musicians 22 and under are encouraged to apply. Sonic Spotlight provides opportunities for musicians looking to level up their craft while making new friends and connections.Selected artists and bands will get a chance to work with industry experts, connect with creative peers, receive radio airplay, create a professional music videos, book live shows, and reach new creative heights. You and/or your friends should apply! 

Applications are open now through August 31st! https://www.sonicspotlight.org/apply

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Prepare for the Autism Resource Fair! 

By Scott McKinney and Laura Vilaret-Tuma 
 
Happy Autism Awareness Month! 

Did you know that since 2018, FCMoD hosts the Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair in the month of April? 

We are lucky to welcome more that 300 neurodiverse individuals, their loved ones and caregivers during this yearly event to explore information about local autism services and support in the Northern Colorado area. 

As we continue to welcome folks from the community each year, we learn how important it is to “know before you go” –that’s why we’ve developed a suite of resources to help you prepare for your visit to FCMoD whether you’re coming for Autism Resource Fair or just a regular day of fun at the museum! 

So, what are the options? 

An FCMoD Social Story: A Social Story is a tool used to explain specific occurrences, concepts, and interactions in a digestible manner, as well as develop greater social understanding and safety for people on the Autism spectrum. Download An FCMoD Social Story here

Video Tour of FCMoD: “Walk” through the museum before you visit while learning about our history, exhibits, and more. Available in VR! Check it out here

Ability Pass: If a guest who has a disability is accompanied by a professional aide, the aide is admitted to the museum and OtterBox Digital Dome Theater for free.  

S.P.A.R.K Pack: The S.P.A.R.K. Explorer Pack is a Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kit that was designed by the Colorado Autism Society and the Autism Community Store in Denver. The items inside can be used to sensory-soothe or sensory-provoke. Each kit includes a wiggle seat, a visor, noise reducing headphones, a ‘seek-and-find’ weighted lap pad, and fidget keychains. It can be used during your gallery visit or during a film in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater! It will be available for check out at the front desk for no additional fee. An ID or membership card will be needed for a deposit. 

Discovery For All: At FCMoD, we believe discovery belongs to everyone! There are multiple ways to access the museum, from partnerships with local libraries to special discounts for qualifying visitors. Read more about these resources here.  

Accommodations at the Fair: Each year, FCMoD strives to improve our offerings for sensory-friendly accommodations during the Autism Resource Fair. This year, we’ll have the following: 

  • Sensory Bags containing sunglasses and earplugs, available at the museum. 
  • Sensory Advisory Warnings on all loud exhibits. 
  • Quiet space located in The Archive. 
  • Low lighting in our Woodward Special Exhibition Gallery. 
  • Volume adjustments in our Soundscapes exhibit. 
  • Students from Colorado State University Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) department to help navigate the fair events. 
  • Visual markers (balloons!) at all fair areas. 

If you ever want to know about FCMoD’s latest accessibility resources, please visit our Accessibility page. Prefer to chat over the phone? You can always give us a call at (970) 221-6738. 

Join us for the FREE 2023 Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair on April 23rd 2023 from 12 PM – 4 PM, generously sponsored by Larimer County Behavioral Health Services Impact Fund Grant Program. See you there! 

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Sonic Spotlight at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Sonic Spotlight is a music competition for Front Range musicians under 22 years old. Now in its third year, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is helping musicians connect in our space and with industry leaders.

The Run Down

In our first phase of the competition, Sonic Spotlight judges chose eight semifinalists to compete in the Sonic Round. From now until November, Sonic Round members will work to craft songs that will be airing live on Thursday, November 3 on 105.5 The Colorado Sound and KCSU, found on 90.5. From there, the competition will be narrowed to three finalists who will perform at Washington’s in Fort Collins, live and amped up with new music during the Spotlight round of the competition.

After the show, a winner will be chosen for this year’s Sonic Spotlight.

The experience

Sonic Spotlight supports fresh sounds from any genre; selected artists and bands will get a chance to work with industry experts, connect with creative peers, receive radio airplay, create a professional music video, play festivals, win prizes, perform live, and level up their music. 

This year’s semifinalists

AUTUMNAL | FORT COLLINS

Autumnal is an indie-folk band from Fort Collins comprised of two long time best friends. Their music is reminiscent of indie singer-songwriters such as Daisy the Great, Samia, and Indigo De Souza. Find their music on Youtube and their website.

CLEMENTINE | FORT COLLINS

This quintet freshly squeezed out of Fort Collins, Colorado consists of bright guitar riffs juxtaposed with heavy hitting drums and lyrics. The music released by clementine is only a taste of what they are capable of, as clementine continues to push its limits for what is possible musically. Their music is on Spotify and Soundcloud.

FIONA SOFIA | FORT COLLINS 

Fiona Sofia is a singer/songwriter/producer based in Colorado. She writes from the soul and aims to embody every aspect of life through music- the highs, the lows, the confidence, the lessons, the love, the everything. Listen to her music on Spotify and YouTube.

HOSPITAL SOCKS | FORT COLLINS 

All growing up in the Fort Collins area, their first EP shows only a small portion of what the band is capable of both sonically and emotionally. Already hard at work for their next project, hospital socks are here to stay and are craving to make a mark. Hear them on Spotify.

HYGEIA | FORT COLLINS

HYGEIA is a four piece progressive hard-rock band based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Taking inspiration from modern metal bands like Jinjer, Periphery, and Bring Me the Horizon, HYGEIA breaks boundaries in the music scene. Listen to them on their website and Spotify pages.

JONAH AUSBUN | GREELEY

Northern Colorado-based Jonah Ausbun has developed a nostalgic pop sound for people wanting to live a little. Grab your friends, hop in the car, and play the soundtrack to experience being human right now. Here they are on Bandcamp and Spotify.

SAUCE K. | GREELEY

Sauce K is a Hip Hop artist from Greeley. It wasn’t until after a year of my graduation that Sauce K. became a Rap/Hip Hop Artist. Sauce K. was the Sonic Spotlight 2021 Listener’s Choice winner! Experience the Sauce K. on his website and Spotify

TY_MAKES_MUSIC | FIRESTONE

Ty_Makes_Music combines colorful and complex sound design that holds the audience’s hand through experiences and to help listeners grow. Listen to Ty_Makes_Music on Youtube and Spotify.

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Join us August 17 at the museum for Music Industry Night

Calling all music industry folks: you’re invited to our Music Community Family Dinner on August 17 in the museum’s Big Backyard. Join us in sharing four courses under the stars, using rescued food from Vindeket Foods, a no-cost grocery store located in Fort Collins. After dinner, More Than Physics will be hosting a musician’s yoga session and we’ll have tricks of the trade to staying healthy on the road.

You’ll also have the opportunity to view FOOD FOR THOUGHT, our new special exhibition. This exhibit offers a unique lens on the ways in which food is connected to climate change and other ecological issues of our times. 

Special thanks to Fort Collins Musician Association and Music Minds Matter for working to present this event with the museum. 

MusiCares, Alliance for Suicide Prevention, The Phoenix, and Blast N Scrap will all be sharing resources and information at the event.

The Music Community Family Dinner is free to attend. Pre-registration is required. 

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Women of Fort Collins: Isabelle Knopf

Women of Fort Collins: Isabelle Knopf

Get inspired!

For the 4th year in a row, the Collections and Archives staff of Fort Collins Museum of Discovery are sharing stories and photographs of notable Fort Collins women. Discover the paths of many local luminaries with inspirational video presentations full of historic images, audio recordings, and fascinating information!

This Episode: Isabelle Knopf

Fort Collins native Isabelle Knopf worked at Heart Mountain Japanese Internment Camp during World War II. As a single mother, she had various jobs before having a long career with the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Ready for more? You can learn about other amazing people of Fort Collins and Northern Colorado in the Archive at FCMoD! Visit fcmod.org/research for more information.

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