Press Release

For more information contact: Shane Rhinewald, The Strong, srhinewald@museumofplay.org;

ROCHESTER, New York—The Strong National Museum of Play and the beloved Spirograph brand have teamed up to present April School Break activities at the museum from April 15 to 24. Spirograph, which is celebrating 57 years of creativity with its iconic geometric drawing device, will be onsite at the museum with a special display featuring information about its history, a community-style art project, and more.

“Spirograph has a long history as a creative toy and artistic tool allowing generations of aspiring artists to make beautifully intricate designs,” says Cathy DeBellis, director of public programs. “The Strong is proud to partner with this iconic brand and give our guests the opportunity to combine the principles of art and mathematic in a playful way. After all, play is our brain’s favorite way of learning!”

Throughout the week, guests can go hands-on with Spirograph and Spirograph Jr., dive into the 57-year history of Spirograph, and view the winning entries from a Spirograph National Art Contest. Before leaving, guests can take home a Spirograph lenticular sticker.

Says Wendy Hartling, Director of Activity Toys at PlayMonster, “This household brand has delighted generations, including my own, because of its ability to make everyone feel like an artist. Whether you’re eight years old or an adult with kids of your own, Spirograph brings out the creator in all of us. We know how proud kids feel when their art is displayed at home or at school. We’re thrilled to celebrate these budding artists by featuring their works of art at a Spirograph exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play during Break Week.”

School Break Week activities are included with general museum admission fees.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About The Strong

The Strong is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the history and exploration of play. It is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play and houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play.