[FAC] Met's Reeves ASK Science Center to remain open following last minute reprieve!

[John English]

The Fresno Metropolitan Museum's Reeves ASK Science Center's 933 Van
Ness temporary space was closed on April 22, 2007 in anticipation of the
temporary lease expiration on April 30, 2007.  However, thanks to a last
minute extension of the lease, the Reeves ASK Science Center will remain
open to the public thanks to the generosity of the building's owners.

The temporary location, formerly the home of Fink & Skopp Furniture, has
housed the Met's popular ASK Science Center since September 2005.
During that time more than 25,000 people have visited the ASK Science
Center to interact with the hands-on exhibits, available to the Met
through a long-term partnership with San Francisco's Exploratorium.  But
as Met staffers began to pack up the exhibits late last week, they were
notified that the Pilibos family had extended the lease.  This extension
will allow the ASK Science Center to remain in its temporary location
until the Met's building renovation project is completed.
 
"The 933 Van Ness location is a prime retail space, yet it has been
generously donated to the Museum by the Pilibos family," said the Met's
Executive Director Kathleen Monaghan.  "We would like to thank Steve,
Lucille and Sarah Pilibos for their extraordinary generosity.  Their
support will allow the Met to continue to offer public programs, camps
and classes to the community, and to the many classrooms of students who
participate in school tours each week."

Earth, Wind, Inspire! remains on view at the Center, and features 35
exhibits that explore the patterns and forces of wind and earth, and the
delight of reflected light to the Reeves ASK Science Center.  Swirling
sandstorms, tornados, the changing forms of clouds, patterns of waves on
seas, geysers, the inescapable pull of gravity, reflected light and
other experiences replicating the power and beauty of the natural world
have been gathered together in this uniquely educational and challenging
exhibition.

About the Fresno Metropolitan Museum:
The Fresno Metropolitan Museum, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, is
a 501c(3) non- profit organization devoted to the preservation and
promotion of art and science programs in the San Joaquin Valley.  The
Met hosts and develops educational and culturally enriching programs,
exhibitions and events throughout the year.  

The Met's historic home in The Fresno Bee Building is undergoing
renovation through Fall 2007.  During that time, Met programming is
taking place offsite and at a temporary location at 933 Van Ness Avenue
in downtown Fresno. For more information on upcoming classes, camps,
programs and events please visit the Museum's website at
www.fresnomet.org.