Throughout our county we have many opportunities to display the wealth and variety of our history and our diverse human and natural resources. The way that these ideas are presented to the public can be critical to how much they are appreciated and how well they are understood. It has come to my attention that there is an opportunity to participate in a workshop given by the National Association for Interpretation.
“This three-day workshop is designed for interpretation and museum professionals who have little or no training in graphic design but find themselves responsible for planning, designing, and creating non-personal media.
Interpreters use exhibits, brochures, signs, web sites, site publications, and other visual media to tell their stories. "Interpretation by Design" focuses on helping participants learn how to use basic principles of both graphic design and interpretation in developing non-personal media that helps communicate your important stories to the public. By the end of the workshop, you should have a good understanding of how to make decisions about type, color, and composition, as well as why an interpretive approach may be more effective for communicating with your audience. You'll learn the basics of planning an exhibition gallery that maximizes space and flow to give your visitors the best possible experience and see examples of what works and what doesn't in terms of exhibit planning and design. Finally, you'll gain a better understanding of what makes good interpretive writing and have a chance to practice your writing and editing skills.”
Cost of course includes course materials, instruction, and textbook (Interpretation by Design by Caputo, Lewis, and Brochu). We are planning to apply for a grant to cover the cost for everyone interested. We believe our chances at getting the grant would be dramatically improved if we have support and interest from across the county. (Astrid adds: Kimberly Alfaro emailed that the Community Foundation may assign up to $7500 for tuition for the exhibit design workshop. The cost is $300 per person.)
Because we all dedicate so much time and effort in order to bring our concepts to the public, it might be an excellent investment to do this as effectively as possible. It would be best to have many people from each organization involved so that these ideas would be put into action.
Could you bring this up with your leadership and to those who are involved with interpretations and design, to see the extent of interest in this workshop?
Kimberly Alfaro
Executive Director
San Luis Obispo County Historical Society
696 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
kalfaro@slochs.org
805-543-0638
805-783-2919 (Fax)
