Stephanie Greenman Stone (415) 379-5121
sstone@calacademy.org

Pat Kilduff (415) 321-8125
pkilduff@calacademy.org

Visitors can help the California Academy of Sciences
Create an "Under the Sea" Tree on November 12

Tree will be displayed at Davies Symphony Hall for "Deck the Hall 2005"

SAN FRANCISCO (October 31, 2005) – The California Academy of Sciences invites visitors to dive into the holiday season by helping to create a fantastically fishy “Under the Sea” tree on Saturday, November 12, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm. Art instructors from Purple Crayon will be on hand to help visitors of all ages create penguins, clownfish, Moorish idols, coral, and seahorses to hang on the Academy’s holiday tree, which will be topped by a giant sea star. A wide variety of recycled materials will be provided for the ornament decoration, including fabric, buttons, ribbon, wire, and other found objects. Participants hoping to create realistic renderings can study Steinhart Aquarium’s live animals before crafting their masterpieces.

The Academy’s 16-foot tall “Under the Sea” tree will be displayed at Davies Symphony Hall for “Deck the Hall 2005” from December 4–26. Those who help create aquatic ornaments for the Academy’s tree can view their handiwork from 6 – 10 am and from 4 pm – 12 am daily during the promotion. Admission to the tree-viewing gallery is free.

The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street. Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger are admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. www.calacademy.org (415) 379-8000.

The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008.

####