Playing with possibilities: For area retirees, volunteering at the children's museum is fun, rewarding and creative

Discovery Playhouse in downtown Cape Girardeau is expanding and redesigning with the help of local artists and volunteers.

Several new art displays and exhibits are being added to the children's museum, and other improvements are being made. Director Pansy Glenn says community members came together to make the project possible. From generous monetary donors to the artists volunteering their time and talent, projects came together beautifully, she says.

"Children's museums need art," Glenn says. "I'm just excited we were able to get such talented people to contribute. The seniors have been amazing. Visitors will be thrilled."

Artist Brenda Seyer echoes Glenn's sentiments. She says she loves to bring her grandchildren to this favorite family destination when they visit, and they always have a wonderful time together.

"There's so much to do, and it's such a great space for them to have a lot of fun," she says. "It's an awesome place for kids to play. I think it'll really draw in the tourists, too."

Seyer, a retired art teacher from Cape Girardeau, has been an active member of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri for more than 20 years. She has taught private art lessons during that same time frame, and has had several exhibitions of her artwork in local galleries.

When asked by the Arts Council if she would be interested in working on this project at the Discovery Playhouse, Seyer readily agreed.

"I said, 'I love the place, I know the artists -- why not?'" She adds that being involved in a project of this scale was a great challenge and a lot of fun. "A lot of really talented folks came together on this in an inspiring way," she says.

Mary Weiss, Rob Hale, Marty Riley and many others were instrumental in bringing these projects to life.

"I think it's a better facility than the Magic House in St. Louis," Seyer says. "And these improvements just add to it. It's been the best time."

Marion Weiss, right, Brenda S. Seyer, Marty Riley and Robert Hale pose next to a mural in a new exhibit at the Discovery Playhouse. The group has painted various murals that line the walls of the expansion set to open early summer.Glenn Landberg

In addition to the existing exhibits, visitors can expect to see a new hallway mural depicting wildlife and natural scenery. A duck blind exhibit was painted almost entirely by Riley, and the "airplane room" features a complete 1963 Cessna 150 aircraft.

Bob and Judy Crader drove to Wisconsin, purchased the plane and are creating an exhibit that will give visitors the chance to see the plane up close and personal. Several retired pilots who are members of the local pilots' club are involved, and have had a great time putting together an exhibit that will be both fun and informative. Murals in the room will depict other planes and scenes of flight, Seyer says.

"This might be the most interesting exhibit for anyone who likes aircraft," she adds.

Other murals were painted in the girls' restroom, and new rooms recently were added. The theater area also is being renovated.

"People have been great," Glenn says. "I think they want to be remembered for doing something for our youth, and we're glad to give them that opportunity."

Expansion and renovation work is expected to be completed by mid-June, with a grand opening in July.

To get involved in future projects at the Discovery Playhouse, call (573) 335-PLAY (7529), or visit discoveryplayhouse.org. To volunteer with the Cape Girardeau Arts Council, contact (573) 334-9233 or visit capearts.org.