Press

ALBANY – A Monster Movie Fest, a children’s festival and a Halloween version of “Cooking the Tree of Life,” featuring a mad scientist and a Food Network chef, will be part of the New York State Museum’s “Monster Mayhem,” beginning October 22.

The fun begins with “Muckman Movie Fest” October 22, from noon to 5 p.m., and the “Monster Mash and Bash” festival for children October 22 and 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Cooking the Tree of Life Halloween Special: the Food Origins of Monster Myths” will be held October 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The entrance fee for all events is $5. Proceeds from the Movie Fest and Monster Mash and Bash will benefit the Museum’s after-school program.

"Cooking the Tree of Life,” in the Clark Auditorium, (concourse level) will explore the possible food-based origins of three monster myths – witches, zombies and vampires. Museum curator and “mad scientist” Dr. Roland Kays will provide the science behind spooky stories of human-food interactions while Food Network Chef David Britton cooks up samples of unique food using the same ingredients. Those who come in costume will get an extra treat. Reservations can be made by contacting Peggy Steinbach at 518- 474-1569 or emailnysmpp@mail.nysed.gov.

The Movie Fest in the Clark Auditorium will feature the films of Brett Piper, a New Hampshire-based director, screenwriter and makeup and special effects artist. Piper will make a personal appearance at the Museum anddebut his latest feature film, “Muckman.”The other movies that will bescreened arethe mutant insect drama “Bite Me!” andthe zombie classic “Shock-a-Rama,” both of which feature Misty Mundae.

Since the early 1980s, Piper has released many science fiction epics, vintage drive-in flicks and tongue-in-cheek horror shockers featuring such cult movie icons as Linnea Quigley and Matt Mitler. He is considered a master of old school stop-motion techniques, handmade special effects and gruesome latex monsters. The moviefest is open to those 16 and older.

“Monster Mash and Bash,” in Adirondack Hall, is the annual Halloween festival for toddlers to 10-year-olds. It will feature goblin games and puzzles, arts and crafts, stories, fun-house mirrors, face painting and a “boo-gy” dance floor. There will be a costume parade at 1 and 3 p.m.

Since 1987 the State Museum’s after-school programs – the Museum Club and Discovery Squad -- have provided tutoring and educational enrichment opportunities for nearly 4,000 youths from Albany’s underserved neighborhoods, ages 8-18. The programs are designed to encourage young people to enjoy learning through interactive, hands-on activities. A friendly, diverse staff and informal approach encourages students to explore, discover and challenge themselves in a unique, educational environment.

The New York State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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