Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Announces Shannon Quist as Non-Profit Partner Executive Director

Posted on by Bryan Simpson in Front Page, Museum in Focus, News

National Search leads all the way back home as current Associate Director ascends to top leadership position

 

(FORT COLLINS) Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that long-time team-member, Shannon Quist, will take on the role of Executive Director for the organization’s Nonprofit Partner as of September 30th.  Shannon has been with the museum since 2016 when she started as the Director for Community Connections. Previous to FCMoD, Shannon spent twelve years at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian serving with the Education Department, Community and Constituent Services, and the Office of the Director. She earned her undergraduate degree at Colorado State University. Most recently, Shannon has served as Associate Director at the museum where her responsibilities have included community partnerships, programming, exhibition development, and long-term planning. Her hiring comes after a three-month national search that led to Shannon being the top candidate for the position.

“Joining Fort Collins Museum of Discovery I was thrilled to bring my experience to such a deeply partnered and community centered organization,” Shannon shared.  “As I begin this next phase, I am honored to lead an amazing team, excited to continue deepening our work with collaborators across the region and encouraged by the opportunities that lay before us.”

FCMoD is a unique public private partnership resulting from the 2008 merger of the City of Fort Collins History Museum and the nonprofit Discovery Science Center. Cheryl Donaldson Moses has served as the City’s FCMoD Executive Director for 26 years. Shannon will be filling the Co-Executive Director position of the Nonprofit partner. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s Board of Directors, which oversees the hiring of the museum’s Nonprofit Executive Director and to whom the Executive Director will report, found the search process to be thorough and affirming.

“We spoke to strong candidates from all over the country, which makes it all the more validating that the person who rose to the top already has such a deep connection to our community,” said FCMoD BOD President, Ben Reynolds. “We could not be happier with the process and the result. The museum and our community will be well-served by Shannon’s passion, experience and vision for years to come. We’re very excited for this next chapter.”

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a hands-on science, history and culture museum whose vision is to inspire inquisitive thinkers and encourage responsible stewardship of the future. They will host three special exhibitions this year including the upcoming, Skin – Living Armor, Evolving Identity and The Bias Inside Us. Shannon has been instrumental in developing FCMoD community partnerships like the Alebrijes exhibition, Indigenous Science, Technology, Arts, and Resilience Program, and The Human Library.

Shannon will begin her new role on September 30, 2024.

About Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery (FCMoD) is an accredited interactive and immersive museum featuring hands-on and collections-based exhibits that tell the stories of Northern Colorado and beyond. Developed as a partnership between the City of Fort Collins’ history museum and the non-profit Discovery Science Center, FCMoD has hosted more than 1 million visitors since opening at our current location in 2012. Our exhibits gallery features long-term exhibits on science, agriculture, astronomy, first peoples, wild lands and more, while our Otterbox Digital Dome Theater is Northern Colorado’s only 360-degree immersive theater. Our Archive & Collections is home to more than 40,000 3-dimensional objects and more than 400,000 archival records, including historical photos and documents. To learn more please visit

https://fcmod.org/

 

 

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Skin & Bias

Posted on by Scott McKinney in Front Page

We are incredibly excited to present two amazing special exhibitions this fall and winter as we bring you Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity (Oct 12, 2024 – January 26, 2025) and The Bias Inside Us (November 27th – December 31st). Both exhibits are designed to spark dialogue and reflection on human culture and identity through science and history.   beginning with Skin which explores the physical, historical, and cultural elements of the human body’s largest organ.

From questions like “what’s a rhino’s horn made from?” (hint: it’s the same protein that makes up human hair and nails – keratin!) to an exploration of how geography and climate have impacted the evolution of skin pigmentation, this engaging exhibit will inspire you to reconsider everything from what’s in the dust in your home to the way you see the world. FCMoD hopes you’ll take home a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and recognize that we – as humans – are more alike than we are different. This installation is presented in both English and Spanish.

 

Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity was created by the California Academy of Sciences and modified for travel and distributed by the Science Museum of Minnesota.

 

On November 27th, The Bias Inside Us will take its place alongside Skin as we explore how the human mind’s chemistry can lead us to a place of inherent bias. This community engagement project from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) will raise awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, the impact of this bias and what people can do about it. This exhibit is brought to you in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES).

 

Both these exhibits are free for Members and included with the price of admission. If you enjoy this kind of programming, we encourage you to make a donation through our Give More campaign which helps create access for community members experiencing economic need.

 

https://46395.blackbaudhosting.com/46395/Give-More

 

We look forward to bringing these fascinating and thought-provoking exhibits to you!

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Beyond Discovery

Posted on by Scott McKinney in Front Page, Uncategorized

Ever tried putt-putt golfing on the moon? Think you can chip shot from a three-story roof into a bucket? Join us on September 13th for our Beyond Discovery Benefit: Teeing up Discovery for All! This year’s proceeds will go toward creating access for ALL community members. Your contribution helps families experiencing economic need enjoy all the museum has to offer at free or reduced rates. Everyone benefits from access for all – please join us for an evening of fun!

This year we’re bringing back nine holes of museum gallery putt-putt golf, the rooftop chip shot competition, live music, dancing, food and adult beverages courtesy of an open bar. In a nod toward the archive’s 50th anniversary, we encourage 1970’s attire (golf or otherwise) and flair!

Thanks for your support!

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Human Library

Posted on by Scott McKinney in Front Page, Uncategorized

Unjudge someone – join us for The Human Library on August 4th here at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. From overcoming addiction to confronting racism, 32 Books from our community will share their stories with you, the Readers. Now in its second year in Fort Collins, The Human Library creates a welcoming environment for people to listen, learn, and connect with one another. The goal is to create greater empathy and understanding through a positive dialogue that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices. The Human Library started as a Danish project in 2000, and there are now 80 events every year, worldwide. This year’s program is focused once again on “Being Me in Fort Collins”. We are honored to help facilitate this powerful event with our partners, Poudre River Public Library District, the City of Fort Collins Equity & Inclusion Office, the City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission, Larimer County Behavioral Health Services, and the Yarrow Collective.

 

Desjuzga a alguien – Acompáñenos en la Biblioteca Humana el 4 de agosto aquí en el Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Desde superar la adicción hasta enfrentar el racismo, 32 Libros de nuestra comunidad compartirán sus historias con ustedes, los Lectores. Ahora en su segundo año en Fort Collins, la Biblioteca Humana crea un entorno acogedor para que las personas escuchen, aprendan y se conecten entre sí. El objetivo es fomentar una mayor empatía y comprensión a través de un diálogo positivo que pueda desafiar los estereotipos y prejuicios. La Biblioteca Humana comenzó como un proyecto danés en el año 2000. Hoy en día se realizan 80 eventos cada año por todo el mundo. El programa de este año se enfoca nuevamente en “Siendo yo en Fort Collins”. Nos sentimos honrados de ayudar a facilitar este poderoso evento con nuestros socios, el Distrito de Bibliotecas Públicas de Poudre River, la Oficina de Equidad e Inclusión de la Ciudad de Fort Collins, la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas de la Ciudad de Fort Collins, los Servicios de Salud del Comportamiento, del Condado de Larimer, y el “Yarrow Collective”.

 

Visítenos aquí para inscribirse y obtener más información

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FoCoMX Artist Spotlight – Meet Jaiel

Posted on by Miranda Fling in Uncategorized

FoCoMX is finally here! Over twenty incredible acts are taking the stage here at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This year, FCMoD is home to three unique stages: The Learning Labs, The Launchpad, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. We had the pleasure to speak with some of artists performing at FCMoD, diving into what inspires their music and what you can expect from their performances. 

Are you looking for the perfect mix of pop and soul to add to your FoCoMX schedule? Denver artist, Jaiel, will not disappoint. Jaiel has been surrounded by music and creativity her whole life. In 2022, she decided to start pursuing music professionally and released her first project, ‘The Magical World of Black Girlhood’. Jaiel describes her music as a reflection on the space between girlhood and womanhood and hopes it serves as a tool for empowerment and inspiration. Her music explores the complexities of adolescence and the growing pains associated with becoming a woman. 

Inspired by artists like Beyonce, Tori Kelly, and Ariana Grande, Jaiel is busy creating new music that is sure to earn a spot on your “Summer 2024” Playlist. Catch Jaiel at The Launch Pad at FCMoD, tomorrow, April 20th at 7:00PM. See you there! 

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FoCoMX Artist Spotlight – Meet Zealot

Posted on by Miranda Fling in Uncategorized

FoCoMX is right around the corner and over twenty incredible acts are taking the stage here at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This year, FCMoD is home to three unique stages: The Learning Labs, The Launchpad, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. We had the pleasure to speak with some of artists performing at FCMoD, diving into what inspires their music and what you can expect from their performances. 

From a whimsical stage presence to sci-fi inspired lyrics, Denver band, Zealot, is sure to leave the crowds at FoCoMX enchanted. Formed in 2016, Zealot is a four-piece indie/alternative band creating captivating tunes that have a much deeper meaning. Lead singer, Luke Hunter James-Erickson pulls songwriting inspiration from sci-fi and fantasy novels written by authors like Terry Pratchett. Though the inspiration for their songs come from imaginary worlds, Zealot hopes their lyrics can inspire positive change in their local community and beyond. The band pairs these complex and introspective stories with upbeat and energetic instrumentals, making for an unforgettable show. 

Zealot is currently in the process of recording their second full length album, ‘The January King,’ and plans to release it early 2025. They are making their Fort Collins debut at FoCoMX this weekend and are ready to take you on a journey into their world.  

You can find Zealot at The Launchpad at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery this Saturday, April 20th at 3:00PM. See you there!



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FoCoMX Artist Spotlight – Meet D.W. Doucet

Posted on by Miranda Fling in Uncategorized

FoCoMX is right around the corner and over twenty incredible acts are taking the stage here at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. This year, FCMoD is home to three unique stages: The Learning Labs, The Launchpad, and the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. We had the pleasure to speak with some of artists performing at FCMoD, diving into what inspires their music and what you can expect from their performances.  

D.W. Doucet’s unique approach to live shows is sure to make his set stand out at this year’s FoCoMX. Doucet describes his one-man band as “an individualistic blend of blues and folk,” met with “howling, growling, hooting and hollering.” He blends narrative based songwriting with nontraditional instruments like chains and rotary telephones. These unexpected elements give Doucet’s music a sound like no one else, adding a layer of depth to his honest, raw storytelling. His songwriting is inspired by a variety of life experiences, whether it be a personal reflection, or stories heard from friends and relatives. 

Doucet is a seasoned FoCoMX artist, with his first festival appearance back in 2016. He is currently in the process of recording his full-length album “American Dust” at More Door studios with engineer, Johnny Alonzo, and plans to release it later this year.  

You can find D.W. Doucet at the Fort Collins Digital Dome Theater on Friday, April 19th at 8:15PM.

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FoCoMX @ FCMoD

Posted on by Scott McKinney in Uncategorized

We are days away from Fort Collins’ favorite local music festival, FoCoMX! With over 350 Colorado bands performing on 30 stages, it is impossible not to wonder what goes on behind the scenes. This year, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery has the support of the youth advisory board known as the FCMoD Squad to help run three unique stages: The Launchpad, The Learning Labs, and The Otterbox Digital Dome Theater.

The MoD Squad consists of individuals ages 15-19 from across the Front Range. Squad members meet twice a month at the museum for a one-year period. During that time, they actively engage the community in a variety of ways, including reviewing applications for the Sonic Spotlight Showcase, participating in college level presentations and discussions, emceeing concerts, and much more. This year, MoD Squad members will also be helping out behind the scenes of FoCoMX at the museum.

Months ago, Squad members got a sneak peek into the FoCoMX application process. After intently looking over applications from a variety of different bands, MoD Squad had the opportunity to weigh in on which bands would thrive on FCMoD stages. Now, after becoming these bands’ newest fans, Squad members will help ensure the success of the festival by supporting backstage.

Want to see the MoD Squad in action? We’ve got you covered. Thanks to Visit Fort Collins, admission to the museum is FREE on Saturday, April 20th. Add Fort Collins Museum of Discovery to your 2024 FoCoMX schedule and don’t forget to say hello to the Squad!

Poster Design by: Elijah Brady

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Cafecito con Vlad Episode One (feat. Ben Griswold)

Posted on by Scott McKinney in Uncategorized

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 iAlebrijes! 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 this episode, Vlad has a conversation with Ben Griswold, FCMoD’s Senior Manager of Content, Engagement, and Experience. This week, we’re diving into the team’s vision behind the ¡Alebrijes! exhibit, as well as some of the challenges faced along the way. Join us this Thursday, April 4th to check out the giant Alebrije installment created by our artists in residency, Óscar Becerra Mora and Rubén Miguel. 

Listen to the Podcast:

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