Public Lecture: Fostering Fossil Fascination

Tuesday, November 10th, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Huntington Convention Center

Join Alaskan artist Ray Troll on an ‘epoch’ journey through his life and paleo inspired work depicting the deep history of the Earth. Experience his truly unique blend of science and art as Ray shares tales from his collaborations with numerous scientists over the last 30 years including three books with paleontologist Kirk Johnson (Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway, Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline and Alaska Dinosaurs, Mammoths & More). Kirk and Ray have worked together since 1998. Their never-ending roadtrip is now in its 28th year and they are currently wrapping up work on a fossil atlas of the USA that will be published in 2027.

Ray is known for his diverse, often humorous, science-inspired artwork. His art can be found in museums and books, on posters and hoodies, and on literally millions of t-shirts. He also co-hosts the popular Paleo Nerds podcast with his pal David Strassman and headlines his band, The Ratfish Wranglers. Over the years he has been involved in research work on such enigmatic creatures as Helicoprion, the desmostylians, and Oncorhynchus rastrosus, the giant spike toothed salmon.

Ray has received much acclaim but it’s hard to beat the fact that Hydrolagus trolli, a recently discovered species of ratfish, was named in his honor. Trollichthys, a genus of Eocene herring, is also named for him. Ray and his wife Michelle live and work in Ketchikan, Alaska and own and operate the Prairie Sea gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas.

After the talk Ray will be available to sign copies of his books or any other of his products you would like to bring.

Find out more about Ray’s work and catch up on the latest episodes of his podcast.