JANESVILLE — Area nonprofit, Children’s Museum of Rock County (CMRC), has partnered with the Janesville Art League (JAL), Arrowhead Public Library System (APLS), Janesville Parks and Recreation and various sponsors to launch Rock the Solar System on Jan. 30.

Rock the Solar System is an “out-of-this-world” campaign comprised of numerous socially-distanced events and activities relating to the solar system. The CMRC, with the help of JAL, has scaled the solar system to Rock County for the campaign’s exhibit and scavenger hunt.

“The Janesville Art League is delighted to be involved in the Rock the Solar System activities sponsored by the Museum,” said Arra Lasse, Past President of the JAL. “Four talented Janesville Art League members: Julie Dieterle, Carol Herzig, Nancy McKinnon, and Deb Perrino took on the challenge and created uniquely mysterious and colorful planets of all sizes for the scavenger hunt.”

Programming for Rock the Solar System runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 27, beginning with the launch of a two-week scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunt participants will be able to travel the solar system — from the Sun to Pluto — in hopes of winning prizes. Clues to the planet’s Rock County locations and directions to participate will be posted to the Rock the Solar System Scavenger Hunt event on the CMRC Facebook page.

On Feb. 6, Eager Free Library in Evansville will host A Place for Pluto Virtual Story Time with author Stef Wade at 10 a.m. and the CMRC will be giving away free “Out of the World fun play kits” at the Janesville Winter Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The JAL will host a free virtual art class from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 13 by local artist Nancy McKinnon, entitled “Acrylic Pouring Technique: Galaxy Process Workshop.” The class is open to 25 participants ages 8-18. Interested individuals can email mryan@kidsatplayrc.com to sign up.

During the duration of the campaign, free activity packets will be available at all APLS locations in three versions geared to toddler/preschool, elementary and teens, in conjunction with library-sponsored programming. Additionally, Janesville Parks and Recreation and Hedberg Public Library will host a storywalk on the Heritage Bridge in downtown Janesville. Storywalk participants will have the opportunity to walk among the stars with CMRC’s partner programming: Constellation Meander.

“Our mission is Learning Through Play, and we structured this event to hit on the multifaceted nature of play and to appeal to multiple ages,” said Claire Gray, CMRC President. “With 2020 behind us, but 2021 giving no heed as of yet, perspective is an important concept for children and adults alike. Rock County and planet Earth are but tiny specks in our solar system and the universe at large.”