Museum News (August 10, 2025)

The Hansen Museum recently hosted a Reversible Pendant class led by well-known gourd artist, Kristin Jonson. Seventeen participants spent an enjoyable afternoon transforming gourd shards into wearable works of art. Under Kristin’s patient and uplifting instruction, each attendee freehanded a design, carefully burned it into the surface, and then brought it vividly to life with alcohol ink. The process blended precision and creativity, resulting in stunning, one-of-a-kind pendants. Kristin’s sweet demeanor and encouraging teaching style created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that left participants feeling both inspired and accomplished.

While creativity filled the classroom, science and exploration continue to captivate visitors in the Museum’s current ASTRONAUT exhibition. One of the most popular features is the G Force Human Centrifuge, where visitors can climb inside, spin, and watch an instrument panel measure the G-forces they generate. This hands-on experience offers a taste of what astronauts face during space travel, when acceleration and deceleration can subject the body to forces several times greater than Earth’s gravity.

Astronauts prepare for these extreme conditions through rigorous physical conditioning, including exercises to strengthen the cardiovascular system and key muscle groups. They wear specialized anti-G suits that apply pressure to the lower body, preventing blood from pooling in the legs and ensuring the brain continues to receive oxygen. In addition, astronauts use the Anti-G Straining Maneuver (AGSM), a controlled breathing and muscle-tensing technique that helps maintain blood pressure during intense acceleration.

To put it in perspective, one “G” is the normal force of gravity we live under every day. During launch, astronauts may experience three or more Gs—meaning their bodies are subjected to forces three times stronger than usual. Without proper training and equipment, high G-forces can cause vision loss (“gray-out”) or even unconsciousness (G-LOC). The G Force Human Centrifuge invites visitors to explore these principles in a fun, educational way—making space science both accessible and unforgettable.

Whether your interests lean toward hands-on science or hands-on art, the Hansen Museum is the perfect place to spark curiosity this August. From exploring the pull of G-forces in our ASTRONAUT exhibition to creating beauty in our art classes, there’s something here to inspire every visitor. We invite you to stop by, linger awhile, and enjoy all the enriching experiences we have to offer. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday and holidays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is fully handicap accessible, and admission is always free, thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Come see what’s new—we look forward to welcoming you soon!