Dive into the summer art exhibit for children
Dive beneath the waves and explore creatures of the deep in the Oceans of Possibilities Art Exhibit for Children in the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery June 4 - Aug 21, 2022. Discover how we all impact the world’s oceans. You can even take a side trip down the waterways of Kansas all the way to the Gulf of Mexico!This summer we've transformed the gallery into an ocean. Walk along our beach and into a coral reef you get to help us build each Monday! Or have fun exploring our underwater tunnel and the SS Sabatini. While exploring, don’t forget to look up. Discover how we can help take care of the oceans and waterways from here in Topeka, Kansas.
You will meet some ocean ambassadors and uncover secrets about the various parts of the ocean from sandy beaches to the deep dark abyss. Every Monday you can work with us on art and craft projects to expand the exhibit and add to our indoor ocean.
The 21st annual art exhibit for children is made possible in part by The Library Foundation through contributions from the Sabatini Family Foundation.
Ocean zones and creatures
Beaches and Tide Pool
Sprint across the sand with Felix the Plover (a shorebird) as he looks for food and tries to stay away from those tall humans! Felix will also show you his favorite tide pool and all the animals that call it homeSunlight Zone
If you are careful, you might see Olive the Sea turtle’s nest on the beach. Maybe we'll get lucky and see some turtle hatchlings. Then if you dare, start your underwater odyssey with a walk under our coral reef, don’t worry Olive will help you on your way.Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone is past the ocean shelf, and is deep enough that only a little bit of sunlight reaches it during the day. This zone goes down to about 3,000 feet deep. At night, it's very dark. It's cold, too - usually about 45 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit, like a cool spring day. Look closely, and see if you can find Charlie the Chain Catshark hiding on the ocean bottom.Midnight Zone
Since sunlight can’t reach this far, it’s starting to get much darker and colder down here. If you look carefully, you might find Bella. She is a very hip Vampire Squid. But you might be surprised how small she is!Abyss Zone
Welcome to the deep ocean. Only certain creatures can survive here where it's completely dark and extremely cold. Curly, a giant isopod, will guide us as we discover marine snow and see bioluminescent lights flash. Pilot the SS Sabatini on it's underwater odyssey.
