A few months ago, the blog team had an idea; we wanted to open up the IMA blog to a member of the public in order to present an ‘outside’ perspective of the Museum. After a little brainstorming, the “So You Think You Can Blog” contest was born. Dozens of potential bloggers submitted to the contest.  5 finalists were chosen. And our blog readers chose 1 winner – Katie Neville. Congratulations!

THANK YOU to all our blogger candidates. It was fascinating to read your perspectives on the museum experience. We really appreciate your willingness to participate and share.

THANK YOU to all of our blog readers that voted. The poll got record-breaking participation. In fact, on Wednesday, March 10, our Web site received the most  hits in a single day in IMA history. Votes were cast from as far away as the Netherlands (27 votes) and China (17 votes).  We even had 3 votes from Trinidad and Tobago.

OK, so that’s it for now! The NEW IMA blogger has been crowned. Ms. Neville will be joining the team this April and we’re looking forward to what she has to say. Until then, we’ll be working on a new blog contest…Stay tuned!

Oh, oh and Katie – Expect an email from the Blog Team today. We’re excited to have you on board!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day – that strange day when everyone at the IMA  breaks his or her uniform of basic black in order to add a festive flash of green.

IMA's Rain Garden

While green slips into our wardrobe only once a year here, it is at the top of our minds every day. Here’s just a sampling of all the ways the IMA thinks green:

• Recycling – In 2009 the IMA recycled 7,392 pounds of newspaper, 12,950 pounds of office paper, 2,099 pounds of aluminum, and 2,046 pounds of plastic. Each employee has a recycling bin at his or her desk and large recycling bins are available in areas available to the public and staff.

• The Toby – During the renovation of The Toby in 2008, the IMA used green products whenever possible. The floor is made of recycled cork and tires. Recycled carpet tiles were used in the lobby, seating areas and hallways. Recycled glass and concrete was used for the countertops in the service area.

• Rain Garden – The IMA’s rain garden (see image above) captures and filters storm water runoff from the asphalt parking lot outside the Greenhouse that would otherwise flow into nearby waterways, carrying oil and other pollutants with it. Next time you visit the Greenhouse, be sure to check it out!

• Visitors Pavilion at 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park – Currently being constructed and opening June 20, 2010, the 3,000-square-foot Visitors Pavilion will be a LEED certified facility.  See images of the ongoing construction of the pavilion.

• Programming – The Planet Indy speaker series – an annual speaker series that addresses quality of life from a sustainable, creative perspective.  Last month the IMA hosted filmmaker Chris Paine (director of Who Killed the Electric Car?) as he discussed transportation and green lifestyles.  As part of the event, the museum exhibited an electric car just outside Nourish Cafe (check out the IMA TV clip).Upcoming Planet Indy talks include “gestalt gardener” Felder Rushing (April 22) and author of The Not So Big House series, Sarah Susanka (May 20)

So there it is, just a few examples of how the IMA is green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Slainte!

On June 20, 2010 – 100 days from today – the IMA will welcome a permanent addition to our campus, 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. After years of preparing for this exciting endeavor, it is hard to believe that we are merely (100) days away!

Here are some ways that you can help celebrate 100 Days to 100 Acres:

1. Support the Park by giving the gift of $100 for 100 Acres.

2. Read more about 100 Acres by visiting the Web site.

3. Track the countdown online at 100 Days of Art & Nature.

4. Check the blog often. We’ll be announcing contests related to the themes of art and nature.

5. Receive the most up-to-date information about the Park by following the IMA on Twitter or being our friend on Facebook.

THE CHALLENGE

On January 6, 2010 we announced that the IMA was searching for its next blogger and outlined the rules of the contest.

The IMA is searching for its next blogger and we want you! Interested in sharing your thoughts about the IMA from an “outsider’s” perspective? Not afraid to muse publicly about the museum’s programs and exhibitions? Able to attend IMA events and willing to submit 300-600 words once a month? Then you could be the blogger for the job.

THE FINALISTS

After receiving dozens of submissions, the IMA narrowed the field to 5. Over the course of the last 5 weeks, we posted the candidates blog entries. Each had to answer the following questions:

Tell us a little about yourself:
Tell us a story. We want to know how good your yarn-spinning skills are, so give your best anecdote involving an experience you’ve had at the museum.
Why should you be an IMA blogger?

Review the Finalist’s Posts…

• Katie Neville
• Heather McAlister
• Jenni Clarkson
• Crystal Hammon
• Jessica Hancock

THE VOTE

Whose voice do you want to hear on a monthly basis? Blog readers, it’s time for you to decide! From now until March 23 at 11:59 pm you can vote for your favorite finalist.  The winner will be announced on March 24. Don’t forget, what’s at stake – The IMA’s Next Top Blogger gets a free membership to the IMA, invitations to special events throughout the year, and the opportunity to share her thoughts about art, design, the natural environment, and the IMA with the world.

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