T186 Putting the “Art” in Earth: Exploring the Intersection between Geoscience and the Creative Arts (Posters)

Tuesday, 24 September 2024
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Hall D

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROJECTS OF THE PALEONTOLOGY IN THE PARKS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Paper number: T186-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

This year, three artists-in-residence joined the Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program, a co-sponsored initiative from the Paleontological Society (PS) and National Park Service (NPS) where student-mentor pairs contribute to fossil-related projects for national parks. The joint venture supports students or recent graduates with artistic talent to create or enhance materials for education and outreach that can foster learning about paleontology and encourage interest in national parks. Previous projects supported by the program have primarily focused on fossil inventory needs yet also included other important outreach and accessibility work such as developing a Spanish version of the Junior Paleontologist Activity Booklet. Projects at the intersection of art and paleontology have not previously been a part of the fellowship program but provide new ways for students to engage with the public while collaborating alongside the NPS.

Current projects include a) “Cenozoic life in the national parks”, the second issue of the ‘Life in the National Parks’ coloring books, b) a fossil-focused national park version of the game La Loteria that the artist aptly named ‘Paleoteria’, and c) development of a story map on horse evolution featuring NPS fossils. Existing artwork was made available for the updated coloring book that included adding infographics for efficient conveyance of ecological roles, introducing children to concepts such as terrestrial, aquatic, herbivorous, omnivorous, etc. Paleoteria is the second artist-in-residence project and a parody of “La Loteria”, a bingo game popular in Latin America. Paleoteria contains 54 cards featuring different fossils, animals, objects, or professionals associated with paleontology and national parks in a similar artistic style to the original La Loteria. Paleoteria is promoted towards Spanish speakers as well as people interested in learning Spanish, and helps to introduce hispanic culture with paleontology in our national parks. The final project focuses on the rich fossil record of horses in our national parks and the evolution story that can be told using these specimens. All projects are expected to go live later this year offering new exciting ways to learn about fossils in national parks. The PS and NPS hope to continue such outreach via this program allowing more children to discover their passion for the ancient world.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024AM-404219

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