Baker New MHC Outreach & Development Coordinator

The MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney is very pleased to announce the addition of Jenny Baker, Outreach and Development Coordinator, to its staff. With a Fine Arts degree and minor in museum studies, Baker is extremely qualified to expand the Center’s outreach programs in the community. Baker did her internship and worked at the Museum of the Rockies and also taught classes at Paris Gibson, the contemporary art museum in Great Falls. She has also been in and out of the school system, subbing, but also teaching classes, including art. She is married to Bryce and has two girls, a 1st grader and a 2 year old.

She is very excited about sharing her knowledge and love of museums and all they have to offer to everyone from infants to senior citizens. “Some of my earliest, best memories are of visiting museums in the Great Falls area,” she said. “I want to develop that love with the children in this community.” She wants the Heritage Center to be a valuable resource for the area. “I’m here to help,” she stated. She is eager to speak to area school children, or community groups of all ages. She will also be putting together some trunks for teachers. At some point, she hopes to teach adult classes as well. There is a survey on the MonDak Facebook page to determine local interests. MDHC executive director Benjamin Clark said “I am thrilled we have been able to make such a great addition to our staff. This enables us to expand our programs and better serve our community.”

Baker is busy getting ready for MonDak Munchkins. Beginners, ages 1 and 2, will meet once a week on Mondays at 10 a.m. For these little tots, it will be an introduction to the museum, both history and art, in a fun and educational way. There will be lots of art projects, stories, and sensory projects such as quilt week where the children can touch and feel fabrics and ribbons.

Munchkins, ages 3 to 5, will meet twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. This class will build on the basic Beginner principles, with more technique in the art projects, plus viewing the museum and learning more history.

The MonDak Masters for grades 3 through 5 will meet twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:20 to 5 p.m. Because these children are a lot older and able to comprehend more, the program will involve a lot more technique, plus art viewing and history. The will be plenty of interaction as well with role playing in the classroom based on the downstairs displays. “There will be lots of options each week and lots of dynamics to everything,” Baker enthused.

Classes are filling quickly. If you would like your child to experience the wonder that is the museum, call 433-3500 or stop by 120 3rd Ave. SE, Sidney.