Get Outta Here!

Secrets of the giants

Venture into the world of the cuddly tarantula at the Butterfly Pavilion during the world premiere of its new exhibit, “Legend of the Tarantula” — a story kept secret until now.

The new exhibit dispels the myths surrounding these giants of the spider world. Discover how these versatile arachnids go far beyond the dangerous, scary image given to them by Hollywood and learn the true value of these eight-legged wonders. Come face-to-face with more than 25 rare tarantulas from around the world, including some species never before displayed at the Butterfly Pavilion.

The Victorian-themed exhibit will teach you about the tarantula’s anatomy, habitats, diet, behaviors and cultural significance through interactive panels and activities.

 
Displayed tarantulas include terrestrial (land) and arboreal (tree-dwelling) species such as the Chinese Golden Earth Tiger tarantula, Cobalt Blue tarantula, the Kilimanjaro Baboon tarantula and the Chilean Rose-haired tarantula, also know as “Rosie.” Rosie is one of the most beloved invertebrates at the Butterfly Pavilion, and “Legend of the Tarantula” explores her world in greater depth in an immersion experience unlike any other at the Pavilion.
Build a tarantula by layering oversized anatomy parts, use a world atlas to discover where tarantulas live, identify different tarantulas by matching specimens with descriptions, dance to Tarantella music and more.

The exhibit also provides quiet and active learning opportunities for younger children in the specially designed Tarantula Town, featuring climbing elements such as a spider web and tarantula burrow, and a reading nook with puzzles, hand puppets and educational games.
“Legend of the Tarantula” opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 28. Entrance into the new exhibit is included with general admission, which is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for ages 65 and older and children ages 2-12.

 
The exhibit is fully translated in Spanish, and free bilingual guides are available.
The Butterfly Pavilion is at 6252 W. 104th Ave., on an 11-acre campus 15 minutes from downtown Denver in Westminster. Get directions and information by visiting www.butterflies.org, or by calling 1-303-469-5441.

Victor celebrates the arts

Looking for something different to do over Labor Day weekend — something that’s close to home and includes clean mountain air, authentic Colorado history and inspired art?

Head to the sunny side of Pikes Peak for Victor’s 11th Annual Victor Celebrates the Arts, running Saturday through Sept. 6. It’s a treat for art lovers, history buffs, families and gamblers alike, with dozens of artists from around the country capturing on canvas the 1890s gold mining community — amid the spectacular scenery of the Sangre de Cristo range.

The artists flock to Victor’s streets the week before the show and sale to capture the ambience of this unpolished gem of Colorado gold mining history. Starting with blank canvases, they seek out historical head frames, 1890s buildings, aging mining shacks and the Colorado Rockies in their fall splendor.

The Open Art Show and Sale takes place all three days at the Elks Lodge, Third Street at Diamond Avenue, with paintings ready for sale at prices ranging from $100 to $800.
See them painting at the Brush Rush Paintout timed competition 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 5, and during the Quick Draw and Sell in Wallace Park 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 6.

 
Street entertainment, antiques shops, unusual stores and restaurants all add to the fun.
All events are free. You’ll find Victor less than one hour’s drive west of Colorado Springs and five miles south of Cripple Creek. Get information and a complete schedule by visiting www.victorcelebra testhearts.org, or by calling 689-6373.

 
For lodging and information about other things to see and do in the area, check out www.victorcolo rado.com.

joy harper, the gazette