‘Art of Paleontology’ exhibit opens March 13 at Idaho Museum of Natural History

The Idaho Museum of Natural History will open its newest exhibit “The Art of Paleontology” with a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 13 at 11 a.m.

In conjunction with its newest exhibit, Bill Akersten, Ph.D., IMNH curator and paleontologist, will present a free public talk in the Museum classroom at 7 p.m.

This new exhibit features the outstanding artwork of world-renowned Paleoartist Mark Hallett. Samples of his artwork may be seen on his website at www.hallettpaleoart.com. In addition to Hallett’s artwork, stunning bronze casts of four sabertooth cats attacking a Bison latifrons fill the center of the gallery. The exhibit also features elements from IMNH’s Tolo Lake Exhibit to teach visitors about one of the most significant paleontological sites in Idaho.

Akersten will discuss how paleontologists are able to look at fossil skeletons and interpret the lifestyle of the animals. One example he discusses is how paleontologist are able to know that there were many different saber-tooth cats and how they evolved at least five different times.<>

The Museum is located on the campus of Idaho State University at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Dillon Street in Building #12. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Teresa Nelson at (208) 282-2603 or nelstere@isu.edu or visit the Web site at http://imnh.isu.edu.