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The Michigan Science Center and Axalta Invite Guests To “Discover Magic” on Community Free Day March 20

Event Explores the Science Behind “Magic” with Interactive Exhibits and Activities as Axalta Displays 2022 Global Automotive Color of the Year, “Royal Magenta” 

Detroit, Mich., March 1, 2022– Magic has fascinated people for centuries, presenting seemingly impossible feats that delight and intrigue. Next month, the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) and Axalta Coating Systems will partner to host another Community Free Day, titled “Discover Magic,” on Sunday, March 20 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. In addition to interactive exhibits and activities, Axalta will present its 2022 Global Automotive Color of the Year, “Royal Magenta.” The color is a majestic and radiant, dark purple hue with a mysterious appearance that parallels the enigma of magic. The event is also presented in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and Six Rivers Land Conservancy.

The public can reserve tickets for this event at this link starting on Monday, March 14. In lieu of attending the Axalta Free Day, the public can make a tax-free donation to MiSci using this link.

“We’re thankful to our partners Axalta, Ducks Unlimited and Six Rivers Land Conservancy for helping us put children and families at the center of science,” said MiSci president and CEO, Dr. Christian Greer. “While people may not always connect the two, magic is impossible without science. With ‘Discover Magic,’ we are looking forward to an exciting day of sharing some of the secrets of color and magic.”

Some of the activities and exhibits include:

  • KABOOMISTRY! – a live, colorful combustion presentation that demonstrates the relationships between pressure, temperature and fuel to explain why things explode.
  • Tablecloth Trick – a lesson in inertia that explains the popular magician’s trick of yanking a tablecloth from under food and dishes without disturbance.
  • Exploring the Universe: Filtered Light – a collaborative art project that explores light and demonstrates how scientists can use telescopes and other tools to capture and filter different energies to study the universe.
  • Disappearing Water – chemistry demonstration that explores polymers, state changes and gravity, and shows how the super-absorbent properties of sodium polyacrylate can make water vanish.
  • Math-Magicians – a lesson in using probability calculations to fool the mind and trick the senses.

“Science is the background to developing colorful coatings that bring life and beauty to the mobility sector,” said Nancy Lockhart, global product manager color at Axalta. “We are pleased to join with the Michigan Science Center to celebrate STEM and bring a little fun and magic to the community.”

In addition to the “Discover Magic” activities, guests will have access to the center’s hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a Smithsonian Spark!Lab, STEM Playground and more. Tickets to the Toyota 4D Engineering Theater will be available for purchase at the box office.

While tickets are free, visitors must make reservations in advance to attend. Please visit this link to make reservations.

About The Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center (MiSci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, MiSci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through their Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO Live!, MiSci is expanding beyond its Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your MiSci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.

About Axalta

Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable coatings solutions. From light vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, building facades and other industrial applications, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enhance durability. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 14,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.com and follow us @axalta on Twitter.

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MiSci representatives are available for interview and demonstrations.

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Contacts:

Elizabeth Weigandt, Principal

Weigandt Communications, LLC

elizabeth@weigandtcommunications.com

Alycia Pearson

Axalta Coating Systems

alycia.pearson@axalta.com