Carrying out the important educational
function of a flower show, an effective educational exhibit may well be the
outstanding show feature that viewers remember most. People like to be educated
if it’s free, if it does not require much on their part and if it concerns
something they already find of interest. Once their attention is “caught” by an
exhibit, they should leave it with the feeling they have really learned
something worth knowing and, hopefully, be inspired enough to learn more about
the topic on their own.
To plan good educational exhibits that
actually and actively teach, it is helpful to keep in mind the ABC’s used in the
field of advertising.
A. Tell the story of goods or services, give information, teach the
facts, educate.
B. Stimulate a desire for the goods, services or information.
C. Create a feeling of good will and confidence in the goods,
service or information because of the knowledge learned about
them.
A good educational exhibit is more than merely a grouping of plants,
produce, pictures, catalogs, etc. A collection of plants is just that – a
collection. It becomes an educational exhibit only through labeling (common and
botanical names are desirable), planting instructions, care, use and other
useful information. Something should be said about each item to show how they
are alike or different, related or unrelated, what they do or do not have in
common, how they can be improved, which are best, how and how not to grow. Thus
a viewer could leave the exhibit feeling they have learned something.
In most cases your exhibit will need to “catch” the attention of the moving
public. Some ways to do this are:
1. Attract by color. Red, yellow and orange are advancing colors
and seem to call out to those passing by.
2. Attract by forms. Use different shapes - circles, triangles,
rectangles to draw attention to various parts of the display.
3. Attract by motion. Movement catches the eye and adds
uniqueness to a display.
4. Attract by light. Strobe, black light, a turning wheel can
create unusual illusions. Spotlighting items can create unusual
effects. Light glowing from within an object adds mystery.
5. Attract with humor. A picture, object or something to bring a
smile.
6. Attract with handouts, small gifts. Everyone likes free
information and/or gifts.
7. Attract by involving the viewer with contests or something
they must do to get the message of the display.
Some things to remember when planning the presentation of your subject are:
1. Be concise. Cover the subject briefly. You cannot possibly give all
the information available about a subject in the space and time you have to do
it. Stress one facet of the subject. One segment covered well is better than
trying to cover too much which will only confuse rather than instruct. Entice
the viewer with just enough that they will want to learn more on their own. Be
sure to be accurate with facts, labeling, etc. Information should not be tedious
and too technical. You are just trying to whet the appetite for more learning,
not give a complete course.
2. Be creative. Make your exhibit unusual, dramatic or humorous. The
exhibit in which everything in it is absolutely needed and contributes to the
overall aesthetic effect is one that will attract attention.
3. Use backgrounds. Backgrounds help define your space and give you
neutral ‘walls’ on which to present facts. They help screen out extraneous
elements that might detract from your message.
4. Adhere to the Principles of Design. Balance, Contrast, Dominance,
Proportion, Scale, Rhythm and Space. You really are creating a design – a niche,
if you will .
Above all, keep in mind that the real function of an educational exhibit in a
flower show is to teach – to instruct – about one or more garden club
interests. The exhibits should be as distinctive as any other part of the show.
Plant materials used must be top quality or good examples of damage, disease or
flaws. Artistic principles must be observed. Facts must be absolutely correct.
With careful study and planning and the use of a bit of ‘flare’, your club’s
educational exhibits can be effective high spots of your shows. Space allotted
should be stated in the schedule.
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