EUGENE, Ore. — (Sept. 17, 2013) — The Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH) at the University of Oregon will host a public reception for Ray Troll, whose works are currently on view in the museum's newest exhibition, "Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway with Artist Ray Troll and Paleontologist Kirk Johnson."

The reception, which will include a book signing and a short talk by the artist, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday (Sept. 20), at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave. Admission is free.

The Ketchikan, Alaska-based artist is known for quirky, fossil-filled images that have appeared in museums and publications around the globe. Drawing inspiration from the latest scientific discoveries, Troll brings a unique, street-smart sensibility to the world of paleontology.

"Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway" features 16 color prints and five large-scale murals originally created for a book of the same title, published by Troll and Johnson in 2007. The book recounts the "epoch tale" of the duo's 5,000-mile, fossil-seeking road trip across the American West.

"This imaginative body of work combines visual art and science — with a touch of travelogue — to present a history of life on Earth," said Ann Craig, associate director of exhibitions and education at the MNCH.

Fossil specimens from the UO museum's Condon Collection also will be on display, including 145- million-year-old ammonites and the canine tooth of an entelodont — also known as a hell pig — that lived approximately 30 million years ago.

The Troll exhibit, which runs through Feb. 23, 2014, is on loan from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, Wash.

About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and youths, and $10 for families (two adults and up to four youths). Museum members are admitted free. Admission is free to the public on the first Friday of the month. Guided tours are offered each Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Media Contact: Kristin Strommer, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, kstromme@uoregon.edu, 541-346-5083

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