marine-themed portable display for classroom education visits- build myself or find someone in So Cal?

[Jessie Altstatt]

Hi there,

I am new to the forum- and I'm a marine biologist. But I need to *quickly* produce two portable displays to take to classrooms- and I am either looking for someone local to do this for me-within our meager budget- or the encouragement to go for it myself.  I am a big DIYer so it does sound like lots of fun...but I don't have a lot of time (1 month) so I would have to 'learn on the job'.  What I envision is a wall about 4' wide by 6' tall (or smaller) that sits on a base with coasters that I can get in the back of my pick-up or in a van. It will sit at maybe a 70 degree angle, not vertical. It will look like rock from local tidepools- which around here is shale and sandstone. I am already making some sea creatures to go on it (abalone, mussels, etc).

The average age of the audience will probably be 12.

I first had thought about simply buying some faux rock panels that were the right size and attaching them to the base via lumber. However, I do like the idea of sculpting the surface so that I can get the ledges, nooks and crannies that the marine creatures really like.  Would I start with a piece of plywood and go from there? Build an armature out of chicken wire? Stick to my original thought of buying a pre-made rock?

In an ideal situation, I would love to buy DVDs, go to trainings, and spend a lot of time to really learn all the tricks and get this perfect....but there is not time. I am willing to settle at this point. Is there anyone out there in Southern California who could whip something like this out-OR encourage me to go for it?

THANKS in advance!  Jessie

[Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans]

Richard Winget is a local area Artist that may be able to help you out .. He is a theming master...

[David L. Manwarren]

Hi Jesse,  You have a big project ahead of you and a lot of the work is already made.

Look at our website www.dlmanwarren.com and you will see that we already have urethane and fiberglass models of different sea creatures, as well as many different molds of tide pool rocks.  If you come out to the shop we can show you how to build what you want, but might give you some samples of some of the animals and latex skins of tide pool animals.  We have set up several travel exhibits for major aquariums as well as nature centers.  We also have done probably 15 or 16 tide pool exhibits thoughout the world.  Give us a call and come out to Rancho Cucamonga to our shop to talk about it or give me a call at 909 989-5883 or 909 208-5678 cell

Good luck,

Dave

[Jessie Altstatt]

Thanks  for the quick responses!  Dave, I do see some animals in your catalog that would work well for us. I will give you a call.

Thanks again, Jessie

David L. Manwarren said:

Hi Jesse,  You have a big project ahead of you and a lot of the work is already made.

Look at our website www.dlmanwarren.com and you will see that we already have urethane and fiberglass models of different sea creatures, as well as many different molds of tide pool rocks.  If you come out to the shop we can show you how to build what you want, but might give you some samples of some of the animals and latex skins of tide pool animals.  We have set up several travel exhibits for major aquariums as well as nature centers.  We also have done probably 15 or 16 tide pool exhibits thoughout the world.  Give us a call and come out to Rancho Cucamonga to our shop to talk about it or give me a call at 909 989-5883 or 909 208-5678 cell

Good luck,

Dave