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March 1, 2005, Fort Lauderdale – Barbara W. Watler has loaned
her One of a Kind: Contemporary Textile Art, "Fingerprint
Series" to the Museum of Discovery and Science for display in
the exhibition Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime through
May 15, 2005.
Watler’s attention to humanistic detail led to truly unique
compositions of gigantic quilt fingerprints. Watler composes
each fingerprint quilt with two cloth top layers and an
unbleached, muslin cloth backing layer, which she sandwiches and
then stitches together by machine. The top layer is then hand
cut to reveal the unique pattern by exposing the second layer.
"The fact that no two fingerprints are alike permits an endless
variety of patterns," Watler said. "Comparing my own
fingerprints to the generic patterns, I begin to see many
variations caused by age, vacation and accidents. I soon asked
specific friends and acquaintances for their fingerprints and
have developed a large file, which emphasizes both differences
and similarities in prints."
Watler is currently Artist in Residence at the Coral Springs
Museum of Art sewing a textile that is 7 ½ feet wide and 5 feet
long, which will be a part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
She has lived in Hollywood, Florida for the past 40 years and
her art has been exhibited nationally and internationally for
the past 20.
While Watler considers fingerprints an inspiration for art,
forensic scientists view them as hard evidence in solving
criminal cases. Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime exhibit
explores scientific methods and technologies used to solve
crimes including fingerprinting, DNA profiling, firearm
identification, forensic anthropology, pathology, entomology,
odontology, evidence collection and trace evidence. Case studies
of several "historic" crimes are also featured, as are profiles
of real forensic professionals. Visitors collect, analyze and
synthesize data to deduce various suspects’ innocence or guilt
at crime lab stations.
"Most of us are intrigued by the thought of solving a mystery,"
said Kim Cavendish, President/CEO of the Museum. "Whodunit?
gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the work of forensic
science professionals. The exhibit provides a better
understanding of the specialized skills and technologies
employed in solving crimes."
This nationally acclaimed exhibit was produced by the Fort Worth
Museum of Science and History and was funded in part by the
National Science Foundation.
Museum CSI Programs
The Whodunit? Museum Mystery
March 12, April 16, May 14 at 2:30 p.m.
An average day at the Museum becomes an all-out forensic hunt
for the truth when a body is found facedown in front of the
Museum’s Science Café. Assist our detectives as they search the
scene and try to solve this bizarre mystery.
Chromatography Fun
March 12, April 16, May 14 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The science of chromatography can be used to do a chemical
analysis at a crime scene. Join us and use real chromatography
paper to do your own chemical analysis, and make a
chromatography butterfly to keep.
Thumbs Up for Fingerprint Art
March 12, 26, May 14 at 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Nobody has the same fingerprints, not even identical twins.
Police use fingerprints to identify criminals by matching their
fingerprints to prints taken from a crime scene. They are also
used in finding missing people. During this craft activity, you
will get a chance to use your fingerprint to create a truly "one
of a kind" piece of art.
Be a Forensic Pathologist
March 12, 26, May 14 at 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Forensic scientists sometimes perform autopsies on victims to
help solve crimes. After visiting the Whodunit? exhibit, meet
with a Museum scientist and participate in a forensics lab
examination. Learn about animals’ insides, and see how different
or similar these animals are to you.
Dive into the world of Crime Scene Investigation
May 14, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about CSI with special guests from the Broward County
Sheriff Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit from 12 p.m. to 5
p.m.
• Dust for fingerprints, and find out how real crime scenes are
investigated.
• Tour the BSO CSI Mobile Crime Laboratory.
• Check out the digital imaging systems used to inspect footwear
and tire tracks.
• Take a look at the high-tech chemistry lab and other tools
used to investigate crime.
• KidPrints from BSO—kids can take home their fingerprints and
their photo I.D.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide
experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for
children and adults through exhibits, programs, and films.
Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility
serves approximately 400,000 visitors each year. Major
operational support for the Museum is provided through generous
support by Leadership Guild members including: American Express,
City Furniture, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and
Wachovia.
The Museum is open seven days a week (365 days a year); Monday
through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to
6 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours on Friday and Saturday
evenings. General admission prices are $14 for adults; $13 for
seniors; $12 for children 3 to 12. Children under 3 are free. A
General Admission Ticket includes admission to the Museum
exhibits and one IMAX® film. The Museum of Discovery and Science
is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale,
Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, visitors
should call (954) 467-MODS (6637) or visit our web site at
www.mods.org
ABOUT THE BLOCKBUSTER® IMAX® THEATER
The Blockbuster® IMAX®Theater owned and operated by the Museum
of Discovery and Science, opened in 1992. The 300-seat theater
is a showcase of state-of-the-art motion picture technology. The
Blockbuster® IMAX®Theater features a 60 ft. x 80 ft. screen and
a 15,000 watt digital sound system that delivers six discrete
channels of clear sound through 42 speakers. The IMAX®
projector’s 15,000 watt Xenon bulb projects images of
unsurpassed brilliance and clarity onto the five-story-high
screen. Both 2D and 3D films are shown in the theater. 3D films
are viewed using electronic headsets. The IMAX® experience is an
unparalleled fusion of sight and sound. For show times, visitors
should call 954-463-IMAX (4629).
Media Contact:
Theresa Waldron 954.713.0901 email: twaldron@mods.net
Laura Nipe 954.713.0904 email: lnipe@mods.net
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