ART
One of the many fossils on display, the Desmostylus found here on the Oregon coast.
history of the Earth. It helps us understand our planet and our place on it as ‘global citizens.’ The fossil record found along the west coast of North America is incredible. And it’s not just about dinosaurs. Some of the most important marine mammal fossils ever found have been found along the Oregon coast.” Troll and Johnson, who is the Sant Director of Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, spent more than 250 days, covering over 10,000 miles in search of prehistoric fossils from Baja, Calif., to northern Alaska. The exhibit features Troll’s scientific realism paintings along with fossils, rocks and life-size replicas, models and images of prehistoric marine mammals. Film footage featuring Troll’s fossil excursions will be on view in the aquarium’s theater. Adding another offbeat humor element, Troll hid several cheeseburger drawings in his show pieces because, he said, he just loves cheeseburgers. “I feel comfortable when I know there’s a cheeseburger around,” he joked. “Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline” runs at the OCA until late spring of 2022. “It is fun and educational for the entire family,” Troll said. “It will blow your mind.” More about this new exhibit, along with other information about the Oregon Coast Aquarium, can be found online at aquarium.org
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BLACKWELL’S FISH ART: ‘A SWEET LITTLE CIRCLE’ get to do something that I feel is positive in the world. I’m not just working to pay bills and buy things. I want my work to make a difference, for people to see animals in their natural environment and to feel the love to nurture and nourish them.” That’s how Leighton Blackwell looks at the detailed fish paintings he has been creating for the past 10 years, an offshoot of his experiences spearfishing. Blackwell, 35, did not set out to be an artist. Raised in the Beaver Creek area of south Lincoln County, where his parents still have a home, he remembers attending anti-spray meetings in Seal Rock. Blackwell later moved to Eugene and began working in leather, making backpacks, shoes and boots and teaching
visitor guide newpor, or
