Sparking and Nurturing Creativity through Arts and Sciences with Sam Dean of the Scott Family Amazeum

Summary

On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Sam Dean, the Founding Executive Director of the Scott Family Amazeum, a hands-on museum for children and families. The Amazeum features approximately fifty thousand square feet of exhibits meant to enhance family involvement while bringing learning to life and evoking a sense of curiosity. Sam is passionate about creating opportunities that encourage the community to engage in arts and sciences in an effort to further explore the world around us. Throughout the episode, James and Sam discuss the goal of the Scott Family Amazeum, why Bentonville is the perfect location and how the Amazeum does its best to interact with the community.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes

(0:51) Introduction to Sam

(1:38) Sam’s Background

(11:10) About the Scott Family Amazeum

(15:13) From Idea to Exhibit

(21:03) Connecting with the Community

(22:28) Why Bentonville Stands Out

(25:13) The Perfect Weekend in Northwest Arkansas

(28:18) #BecauseBentonville Story

(30:49) The Future of the Amazeum

(32:54) Closing Questions

‍Links

James Bell

Bentonville Economic Development 

Sam Dean

Scott Family Amazeum

Quotes

“We’re about sparking and nurturing the curious and creative spirit in all of us…it’s a place that’s about having questions and the opportunity and time to be able to explore those questions whether it’s hands on, hearts on, [or] minds on.” - Sam Dean, (11:28)

“The special sauce is that there are so many amazing folks in this community. I’ll say two things. One, this community wants to work together. You can feel it here that people are collectively trying to advance this whole region…and people are accessible. They answer the phone.” - Sam Dean, (22:30)

“We want to keep doubling down. You should have an amazing moment whenever and wherever you are. Whether you’re out around a square for a festival or whether you’re at home playing with rice and beans and want to learn how to count and sort. You should be able to have these amazing experiences.” - Sam Dean, (31:51)