July’s Artifact of the Month is a souvenir program from the Fifth Annual Shasta County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in 1953. This sublime relic can teach us so much about what life was like back then.
Malaria? In Redding? You bet! Step back a hundred years to the “good old days” and imagine a warm June day after a nice, wet spring. It’s a recipe for mosquitoes! Malaria was a common, and deadly, ailment – along with a host of other preventable and treatable diseases that we seldom worry about today.
Just as no subject was unremarkable, no spot was inaccessible. Colby maneuvered around the Dam carrying a 40-pound 8” x 10” format Kodak camera, a wooden tripod, film holders, and the rest of his gear. He also used a 4” x 5” format camera for some shots. This combination of a large format camera and Howard’s skill produced crystal-clear, high-resolution photos with incredible details.
Insects represent some of the planet's most bizarre – yet familiar – and enchanting life forms. Some can be as intricately delicate as a butterfly, while others can be as tough and gnarly as some beetles.
The community eagerly anticipated the Turtle Bay Auction, and this year's event did not disappoint. The theme was "Off to The Races," and guests arrived dressed in their finest Kentucky Derby-inspired ensembles. They were greeted by a stunning display of decorations that transported them to Churchill Downs.
We are excited to spotlight another one of our Wonder-full Turtle Bay volunteers, Rose Dorsey! Rose is recognized by many staff members, Park guests, and the community for her upbeat attitude and positive mindset. Learn more about Rose’s experiences in the Exhibits & Collections department and the many benefits that she shares of volunteering at Turtle Bay.
When you first look at the old-fashioned figures sketched in caricature form, not much stands out. It appears to be a simple scene. However, it’s the title of the print that draws you in and makes you wonder. Learn more about the background of the Daumier Print in our April Artifact of the Month blog.
We take ten weeks between the end of our winter programming and the start of rehearsal week to proceed through this training process. In April, we open it up for our guests in our Open Training Sessions. We open the theater for any guests to come and observe us train and watch the progress of the animals. It’s a time to get a glimpse into how it all comes together!
Turtle Bay recently lost a dear friend and a generous founder/supporter, Sherrill Bambauer.
Sherrill was a vibrant example of how philanthropy can positively impact a community. As a founding member of Turtle Bay, Sherrill (with her late husband Dennis) was key to making the Park a reality! With a teaching background, both Bambauers championed a commitment to the education of children, which Sherrill steadfastly continued after Dennis’ death.
Another Turtle Bay Auction is in the books! This past weekend, the community gathered at the Redding Civic Auditorium with bright lights, delicious food and drink, and of course, one-of-a-kind auction items. From the flashy costumes and upbeat music to the overwhelming support during our silent and live auctions, we could not have dreamt of a better DISCO Wonderland!
Last Friday, we had the honor of being a part of the ultimate surprise for five-year-old Brayden McQuillan. At just five months old, Brayden underwent a heart transplant after being born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, an improper development of the left side of the heart. After enduring such a life-threatening condition, the Make-A-Wish Foundation wanted to create a spark of excitement for Brayden and his family.
Our ancestors wore animal furs and skins for millennia. Before we figured out how to make plant-based textiles and then create modern synthetic gear that outperforms natural materials – and comes with its drawbacks, we were entirely dependent on animal resources to stay warm and dry. Today, many people still wear leather. In the 1980s and ‘90s, exotic skins and furs fell out of favor as people embraced animal rights. This grassroots movement helped change both minds and laws. The United Kingdom banned fur farming at the beginning of the 21st century but still allows imports. In 2019, California passed a state-wide ban on manufacturing and selling new fur products. The past five years have seen major international retailers pledge to remove products made from fur or endangered species from their offerings.
This hair corsage was made after 1890 out of hair from Louisa (1848 -1939) and Christian (1821 -1906) Lemm’s ten sons. Christian immigrated from Germany in 1848, and Louisa, also of German heritage, was born in Buffalo, New York. They met and married in Chico in 1865. The Lemm Family moved to Shasta County in 1884 and purchased 1,145 acres on North Cow Creek at Salt Creek in what is now Bella Vista. They established a horse and cattle ranch and a stopover for weary travelers on the wagon road that is now Highway 299. The Lemms were a typical hard-working late 19th and early 20th-century ranching and farming family in Northern California. Their home was practical, but they also enjoyed the Victorian styles and décor of the day, including this corsage.
The Plant of the Month for September is chosen by Samantha Long, one of Turtle Bay’s Gardeners at the Botanical Gardens. Sam likes that our native Coffeeberry shrubs are extremely versatile; they are evergreen and can be very dense but still have a lot of movement to them. She cites that they are also drought-tolerant and have a round berry (black when completely ripe) that looks just like the berry of a coffee plant.
The Mosaic Gallery is a space that allows local artists to showcase their works to our community and traveling visitors to the Sheraton Redding Hotel. The hallway connecting Mosaic Restaurant to the Sheraton Redding Hotel is currently filled with the artwork of Teri Strong, a classically trained artist based in Redding, CA.
February’s Artifact of the Month is a World War I Uniform & Kit. Our World War I soldier was created from objects worn or carried between 1917 and 1919 by a few different young men. He is missing a few things, like his rucksack and rifle, but he is complete enough to compare with a modern Army soldier wearing an Army Combat Uniform or ACU.
Every year, Turtle Bay exhibits the artwork of students who are reached by Turtle Bay's Famous Artists Portfolio Program. Visit the Museum today to see the artwork of local child art learners as part of the Famous Artists Children’s Art Show! There is a variety of artwork to see from K-8 students at schools throughout our community!
This past Friday, January 20, we held a special VIP Opening for our newest traveling exhibition, Honor, Courage, Commitment: Marine Corps Art, 1975-2018. The Museum was flooded with community members, military, veterans, volunteers, and other individuals eager to see the new artwork on display in Turtle Bay’s Exploration Hall.
At Turtle Bay’s recent Family 2nd Saturday program, guests had a chance to live Pollock’s legacy by making their very own drip paintings. With armed aprons, paint, and some household objects, Turtle Bay’s Education Department volunteers and staff helped guests create their very own action paintings; paintings that were made with the power of movement.
