Prototyping
David Bailey - Prototyper
Mr. Bailey has been employed at the Science Museum of Minnesota since 1997. He has a Master's degree in Fine Arts, with a specialization in electronically and mechanically driven kinetic sculpture. During his tenure at the museum Mr. Bailey has developed prototypes for the If These Walls Could Talk traveling exhibit, Paleontology Hall, and the Energy Transformations exhibit. He created a model of an electromagnetic crane for the Bakken Museum's exhibit of historic electrical devices.
Richard Gagnon - Master Prototyper
Mr. Gagnon has been employed at the Science Museum of Minnesota since 1993. His diverse educational background in engineering, physics, and sculpture blend together as he creates functional, scientifically accurate, and beautiful exhibits on any number of topics. Gagnon was an early innovator at the Exploratorium in San Francisco working closely with Frank Oppenheimer. He has provided his prototyping and exhibit development expertise to the Technorama Museum in Switzerland, the Discovery Center of Idaho, The Seattle Science Center and Discovery Place in North Carolina.
Bradley Holmes - Exhibit Prototyper
Mr. Holmes started at the Science Museum of Minnesota in Sept. 2000. He recreated two functional heart models and has since been prototyping exhibits for Mysteries of Çatalhöyük.
After graduating with a BS in Applied Design from the University of Minnesota, Mr. Holmes started fabricating special effects for national television advertisements and the motion picture industry. Clients include Chrysler, Conoco Oil, Reynolds Aluminum, and Nintendo. Mr. Holmes also worked as a special effects technician on Warner Brothers feature film, Grumpy Old Men.
Since 1993 Mr. Holmes has also owned a custom fabrication business with projects ranging from stainless steel marine fuel systems for a fifty-foot yacht, custom aluminum stairs and railings, to fabrication for Cirque du Soliel.
Mr. Holmes spent eight years at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis as Special Projects Carpenter. Examples of projects would include, specialized set piece construction, special effects, and over seeing the installation of two lobby displays with a combined budget of $60,000.00. Mr. Holmes also spent over a year and a half as Scene Shop Foreman at the Guthrie, overseeing the building of fourteen large sets a year as well as general shop operations.
Gary Roach - Prototyper
Mr. Roach has worked in exhibit production since 1994, beginning at the Science Museum of Minnesota producing traveling exhibits. After two years he went to work for the Minnesota Historical Society where he developed and produced exhibits to interpret historical technology, including hydropower exhibits for the Mill City Museum. While there, he was trained in artifact mount-making and helped produce object theaters for historic sites throughout the state. In 2003, Mr. Roach returned to the Science Museum to develop and produce water erosion exhibits for the museum's Big Back Yard.
Mr. Roach is currently completing a degree in Furniture Design at the University of Minnesota, combining his skills with materials with his interest in history and culture.
Peder Thompson - Master Prototyper
Mr. Thompson has been employed at the Science Museum of Minnesota since 1993. He has developed educational interactive programs and shows depicting the natural behavior of birds and marine mammals. Thompson's 21 years of related fabrication experience includes fabrication of scenic props for the Guthrie Theater, concrete faux rock design, and hands-on kinetic sculpture. He is skilled with a variety of processes and materials including machining, welding, mold making, pattern making, and sculpture of wood, metals, and plastics. Mr. Thompson's experience at the Science Museum includes development of props for a bird flight demonstration, micro modeling of large-scale geomorphology and weather phenomena, as well as many physical and natural science exhibits throughout the museum. Prior to his work at the museum Mr. Thompson worked with persons with learning difficulties and gained knowledge that he utilizes when developing and prototyping new exhibits.