For the last two years, I have worked part-time in exhibit fabrication dealing with unique concept construction for many different subjects and themes. It was during this time I began to consider designing cultural exhibits. I realized that many museums have amazing artifacts, but most lack hands-on interaction, basic descriptions or demonstrations of how these magnificent works were made. It seems inadequate to present a beautiful Apache buckskin dress with only one paragraph on a plaque explaining how it was made. I believe that a far more enriching experience could be derived from exhibits that go into greater depth by showing the steps of the skills involved in the production of the displayed artifacts. This could be achieved in any of the following ways: a step by step demonstration sequence with mannequins behind display glass in a case, an interactive recreation of a native living setting with trained guides to help explain and demonstrate on site, or a navigation through an interactive DVD menu.

I can design an exhibit experience for a range of desired sizes and foci. For basic and general native skills, I can spearhead the primary design. For exhibits that require regional and tribal specific skills, I can collaborate or commission specialized experts and researchers for their contributions to create more comprehensive projects. For small nature center displays, I can go so far as to design the layout, make the display items and build the encasements. For large-scale exhibits, I can design or co-design the exhibit with your curators and contract one of the many Theme and Exhibit fabrication companies, with which I have been affiliated, to build the exhibit. After two years of experience with exhibit fabrication, I have learned that virtually any idea is possible to create with the right design. I have worked on the actual construction of many exhibits some of which have been shown at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and around the world.

Simon Mayer, Basic Skills Demonstration DVD

For educational and interactive videos and media, I can create demonstrations and lessons of any length and depth to accommodate your exhibit or curriculum. We can outline the project together, and I will hire a video or film crew to shoot, edit and organize into menus, the multi-media experience that is right for you.

 

Finally, I also offer consultation for incorporating authentic primitive survival skills into film and TV. The increasing interest in reality shows has brought an even greater need for developing a real understanding for what genuine skills of survival really are. I can show you and your crew what is realistic for your situation opposed to ill informed or outright false dramatizations. The end result is a more convincing product that shows that your production crew worked hard to create a convincing and well researched project. As with all of my programs, we will be tailoring them together, so please feel free to call me with your questions and concerns.