The Art Gallery–Paleoart Exploration & Posters from the Collection
Pictured above: Triassic Hunters, 48"x60", Oil on Canvas. By Jason Ward
“Paleoart Exploration & Posters from the Collection”
June 9—September 19, 2025
The Art Gallery promotes regional artwork that is inspired by science and nature. Currently on display, Paleoart Exploration & Posters from the Collection. When art and science work together to create an image of prehistoric life, it’s called paleoart. It involves using fossil evidence, geological data, and scientific understanding to recreate scenes of the past, bridging the gap between scientific findings and public understanding.
A message from Sheri Hansen, Art Gallery and Visual Arts Program Coordinator:
Paleoart is a volley back and forth between art and science. An artist must visualize their subject based on facts discovered by scientists in the fossil record. A scientist must interpret the fossils and evidence to deduce practical information to give to the artist about what has been discovered. At best they work side by side to blend together the facts, contemporary accepted interpretations, and some informed speculation about the details that might not be directly backed by fossil evidence.
This process continues forward, constantly being upended by the latest discoveries. When new fossils are found and prepared it can be like finding a new piece of a puzzle. The new piece is useful in reassessing what has come before. Fossil evidence is a solid piece of information that can serve as a structure holding together multiple pieces of speculation. When new information is discovered some questions are answered, but new questions might then arise. This is the process of discovery.
Dinosaurs are a scientific discovery that have captured the hearts of fans through the creation of Paleoart. We are fascinated by these prehistoric creatures. Many people have an imaginative longing to understand and to experience dinosaurs somehow. For an artist it can be as simple as making a drawing or painting.
Sometimes dinosaurs feature in our artwork as fantasy scenes. These scenes depict something quite different than Paleoart- fantasy is just that: like a daydream. While Paleoart is an attempt to visualize known facts together with scientifically reasonable speculation, fantasy art is more open-ended, more just like wondering “what if?”
This exhibition shows the process from fossils, to models, to movie posters. Dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures have captured our imagination and driven us to want to understand more about their lives a long time ago, right here on Earth.
Paleoart Exploration & Posters from the Collection will feature original artworks from local and regional artists including Ephrata painter and professor at PCA&D Jason Ward. Ward will show a variety of works including Triassic Hunters, a large oil painting featured in Flesk’s Spectrum 25 Illustration Showcase. Also on display will be rarely seen fossils, models, and dioramas representing paleoart’s historical beginnings and a substantial collection of printed paleoart works from the end of the twentieth century.
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The Art Gallery, located on the third floor, is always open to the public when the museum is operating, Wednesday-Sunday at 400 College Ave. Lancaster, PA.
Interested in participating in our gallery events, or purchasing art? Contact Sheri Hansen, Art Gallery and Visual Arts Program Coordinator at SHansen@NorthMuseum.org.
Part of North Museum’s A.L.E. (Adult Learning and Engagement) programs
