‘Toons take over Exploreum

We’ve all seen animation since the time we could train our eyes on television screens, but how many know the process and history behind it? If you get to the Gulf Coast Exploreum (65 Government St.) before the end of 2018, you can find everything you’d want to know.

That’s where the new exhibit “Animation Academy” has answers galore. It combines creativity and history in a tantalizing journey.

Visitors will learn about the history of animated drawings, from pre-film animation devices all the way to today’s computer generated animation. There’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of famous animated shows and movies, where you can see old drawings, sets and the notes used in productions.

View tools, machines, sets and props used such as the multiplane camera and models for claymation films. Visitors can even try their hand at drawing characters.

There’s a peek into the exacting, revision-filled animation process and how that has changed with the times. From painted gels to modern software, it is far more painstaking than most realize.

Visitors get a glimpse of how voice acting, music and sound effects can make or break projects.

For more on the exhibit, hours and ticket prices call 251-208-6893 or go to exploreum.com.

Mayan mystery haunts History Museum

When an archaeological team mysteriously disappears from a dig site while investigating rumors of a priceless artifact buried in Mayan ruins, what’s left are cryptic tidbits. Clues and warnings can lead to the precious medallion, but only if those on the trail are careful.

This is the immersive and interactive new exhibit “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion” at the History Museum of Mobile (111 S. Royal St.). Intrigue calls to visitors who learn about the legendary Mayan civilization that flourished in Mesoamerica — including southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador — from 1000 B.C. to A.D. 1530, roughly 2,500 years.

Mayans built a sophisticated civilization with complicated writing, massive architecture, an elegant number system, dependable calendars and an amazingly accurate knowledge of astronomy. Its apex was approximately A.D. 250-900, and what remained vanished after contact with 16th century Spanish explorers.

Museum visitors will learn about this advanced pre-Columbian civilization through archaeology, biology and astromathematics field stations.

“Mystery of the Mayan Medallion” was developed by the Arkansas Discovery Network, a statewide museum partnership operated by the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, Arkansas.

For more information call 251-208-7508 or visit historymuseumofmobile.com.

Correction for MTG show

The Sept. 5 Arts Gallery column announced the performance of a new Del Shores work, “Six Characters in Search of a Play,” at Mobile Theatre Guild (14 N. Lafayette St.), with tickets already on sale.

Time and date listed were wrong. The performance will be Sunday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.

For more information visit mobiletheatreguild.org.