Student Art Work on Display at UA’s Museum of Natural History

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Museum of Natural History recently began displaying images of creatures from the Dinosaur Age rendered by a University of Alabama senior.

“Old Bones, Old Stories: The Paleontology and Folklore Art of Asher Elbein” is displayed in the Museum’s Atrium Gallery within Smith Hall and is complemented by displays of fossil specimens of dinosaurs, marine reptiles and mammals from the natural history collections.

The graphite and digital images were created as part of a student project by Elbein, who will graduate this week from UA’s New College with an interdisciplinary degree in natural history and creative writing.

The artist began developing his talent at a young age and recalled drawing dinosaurs in kindergarten when his teacher told him he couldn’t bring his toys to class. Over the years, he refined his abilities to create images of paleontological art and creature designs.

“I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to show my artwork in a professional setting, and I hope it leads to further paying opportunities to produce paleontological art for other museums and publications,” said Elbein, who graduated from an Atlanta-area high school.

Twenty pieces are on display and range from the forest dwelling Aardonyx to flying Pterodactyls.

“I’m happy to have the chance to present paleontology art that consciously avoids many of the stereotypical tropes of the genre and illustrates different ways of thinking about prehistoric animals,” said the UA College of Arts and Sciences student. “If visitors are able to look at my artwork and catch a glimpse into the distant past, then I’ll feel like I’ve succeeded.”

“Asher is a very talented student,” said Randy Mecredy, director of the Museum. “I first saw his work when he created the cover piece for the Bulletin – a scientific publication of the Alabama Museum of Natural History – and I encouraged him to develop additional drawings that we could put on display at the Museum.”

The selection will remain on exhibit until Aug. 31.

“We are always eager to work with students on their projects,” says Mecredy, “especially when it fits in with our mission, and they are as creative as Asher.”

The UA Alabama Museum of Natural History is located on The University of Alabama campus and is open to the public Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and children. UA students, faculty, and staff are admitted for free.

To obtain more information about the Alabama Museum of Natural History, visit the website at www.amnh.ua.edu.