Ark Encounter

Garner Holt is the founder and president of Garner Holt Productions, Inc. (GHP). Garner started GHP at 16 years old in his parents’ garage. GHP is now the largest creator of animatronics and other elements for theme parks, attractions, museums, and more—all from its 120,000 sq-ft California headquarters. Around the globe, GHP’s work is in nearly 5,000 animatronic figures created for Disney, Universal, Warner Bros., Lockheed-Martin, Salesforce, Nike, Mattel, and dozens more. Garner is the world’s leading authority on animatronics and won the 2015 Thea Award for a Lifetime of Achievements from the TEA, among more than two dozen other Theas. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives and be inspired by Christian leaders in the entertainment industry! Register here: https://lnkd.in/geKuvarb

What do you think our talented fabricators are making for the Ark Encounter’s Welcome Center based on these photos? Well, our skilled CNC operator is expertly crafting parts for the beautiful exterior elements of the ticketing building. Once all 152 intricate foam pieces are machined from 82 sheets of foam, our artists will install them on the side of the building. They will then apply multiple layers of plaster and paint to create a stunning exterior for the building. Our welcome center is set to open late this year. It will be a stunning addition to the Ark Encounter, south of Cincinnati.

Throughout the creative process, we often encounter many voices competing for their influence in telling a great story. How can teams collaboratively navigate this space where all voices, including technology, can carry the appropriate weight in the storytelling experience? ? In this breakout session?Glen?will discuss Sight & Sound’s approach to this creative challenge, providing technology-based examples of how they use LED screens, automation and other technologies throughout their productions. A portion of this session will also include time for Q&A with?Glen. Glen Brodersen has been serving in the theater community for almost 35 years. He’s had the privilege of using his diverse production talents at numerous churches and theater companies across the United States and in Europe. In the mid-2000s, Glen joined the team at Sight & Sound Ministries and has supported the company in several production-related roles. Now serving as Senior Technical Director, Glen bridges the gap between story and technology for Sight & Sound Theatres and Sight & Sound Films. Every day, he puts his passion for the collaborative process of storytelling to work, guiding and influencing the development of all technical elements and ensuring that each design aligns with the story and artistic intent of the production. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives and be inspired by Christian leaders in the entertainment industry! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gAfMg9vP

Our leadership team from across the AiG ministry gathered at the Answers Center for our annual Leadership Summit on Tuesday. I gave the kick-off address on how to develop a true biblical worldview of leadership, with a number of practical applications based on Scripture and my 50 years’ experience in the ministry. This year’s theme focused on developing the heart of a leader. Our keynote speaker, Nathan Caldwell, delivered an engaging talk on the importance of empowering kindness. Following his presentation, staff participated in various breakout sessions that explored in depth what it means to embody the heart of a leader. -Ken Ham, Founder CEO

Construction continues! Enjoy these photos that give you an update on the quickly advancing construction of the new Welcome Center and Jerusalem building at the Ark Encounter. The Welcome Center will hopefully be opened later this year and the Jerusalem building will open late 2026. It’s exciting to see the structures form—they are going to be such a wonderful addition to the Ark attraction. South of Cincinnati.

Zookeepers are passionate by nature, and the passion they have for their animals and their team members never ceases to amaze me. When we put the call for storm ride out keepers the response was overwhelming. So thankful for this group of keepers serving at the Creation Zoo and Ararat Ridge Zoo!

Construction is progressing rapidly on the new Welcome Center, shuttle bus drop-off area, and the Jerusalem building at the Ark Encounter. The Welcome Center is expected to open sometime in 2025, while the Jerusalem building, which will feature an impressive 1:100 scale model of first-century Jerusalem, is set to open in 2026.

Are you a Christian who works as a creative? Maybe you work in the entertainment industry—for a theme park, museum, theater, or as part of a film team. Or perhaps you are part of a creative ministry at your church, or you’re a college student pursuing a related field for your career. This is THE event for you! Gather with fellow creatives to learn from experts working in these fields and experience special sessions and tours designed to spark your imagination and ignite your creativity for kingdom impact. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g6reDQc4

Celebrating the Creation Zoo being open to our guests! So many teams worked on this project to deliver a great product! Trying take sometime to celebrate what has been accomplished before moving on to getting the rest of the zoo open. Walkabout and stage coming later this fall!

I never cease to be amazed at the talent God has brought to the Answers in Genesis ministry. Take for instance the staff in our design and fabrication studios where so many talented people build the various exhibits and other items for our two attractions, the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the large CNC machine at our fabrication shops. Josiah is busy cutting out parts for the new cabinets for the POS machines which will be installed inside Emzara’s Buffet at the Ark Encounter. Thank you God for all those you have specially gifted and brought to the ministry to use their talents to impact lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. -Ken Ham, Founder CEO