Pinhead: Science of Cocktails at Ah Haa

14 Aug Pinhead: Science of Cocktails at Ah Haa

The Pinhead Institute presents annual fundraiser to support STEM programming scholarship fund, Event takes place at the Ah Haa School for the Arts. General admission to the Science of Cocktails is $50 and includes private demonstrations, cocktail samples, appetizers, desserts, and a vote for best drink. Top Shelf admission is $100 and also includes a raffle for two premium tickets to the Telluride Integrative Wellness Summit including a cocktail reception with keynote speaker Deepak Chopra, Sept. 11-13, 2015. Tickets here or at the door.

It’s time to pack away your pocket protector, break out your creative cocktail best, and join the Pinhead Institute as the nonprofit takes a fun, interactive look at the physics, chemistry, and biology of cocktails during its annual fundraiser: the Science of Cocktails, on Friday, August 21.

This intoxicating event taking place from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Ah Haa School for the Arts features science-spiked, adult libations created by local, master mixologists especially for the evening; appetizers from Rustico Ristorante and Steamies Burger Bar; gourmet desserts from the New Sheridan Chop House; a silent auction, and music by DJ Apoc.

“The Science of Cocktails combines two of Telluride’s favorite things: science and parties,” said Pinhead’s executive director Sarah Holbrooke. “Each mixologist comes up with his own delightful, delicious concoction that has a basis in science. It could be density, colloidal suspension, various viscosities – with every drink you learn something new. When can you say that’s happened before?”

Go for the Top Shlef admission fee of $100 and get 2 premium tix to Telski’s Telluride Integrative Wellness Summit and meet keynote speaker Deepak Chopra.

While Colleen Thompson and Patrick Laguens defend their titles as crafters of the “Perfect Pinhead Potion” and are challenged by four fellow mixologists including Chris Michalski and Joe Alaimo in the Gallery Room, silent bidders in the East Room will battle for prizes including GoPro cameras, custom 3D prints, dinner for 10 at There, a case of Sutcliffe wine, Mountainfilm and Blues & Brews Festival passes, and more.

“All funds raised at the Science of Cocktails will go towards scholarships for our students. They are thrilled by science and deserve a chance to immerse themselves in STEM,” Holbrooke continued, referring to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics supplemental education programs provided by the Telluride-based Smithsonian Affiliate organization.

Pinhead is increasingly engaging rural students in San Miguel, Ouray, and Montrose counties with a variety of STEM learning opportunities, including new 3D modeling, and printing, robotics, and computer coding programs.In fact, from serving a few hundred students annually, the nonprofit now reaches more than 3,400 students during the first half of the current year or nearly its total reach in 2014.

“What’s more, this summer Pinhead accepted and placed its largest class of interns ever: 20 rising high school seniors. Their Pinternships took them to Harvard, Stanford, and The Scripps Research Institute, amongst other esteemed venues, and many of the Pinterns will be attending the party to talk about their recent experiences,” Holbrooke explained. “Pinhead also expanded its lighthearted, kid-friendly Punk Science program south to Cortez for the first time.

“Our programming is growing exponentially, and so must our funding. We want to spread the love of science to as many children as possible, regardless of their ability to pay. The funds raised Friday at the Science of Cocktails will go towards supporting stipends and scholarships so that more of our programs are available to interested students of all backgrounds,” concluded Holbrooke.

The Pinhead Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and Smithsonian Affiliate based in Telluride, Colorado that educates and inspires children and adults in the greater Telluride region about the wonders of science and technology through engaging programs, direct interaction with scientists, and unique research-centered internship experiences. To learn more visit: www.pinheadinstitute.org or call 970-369-5190.