Cruisin’ Deep Time with Kirk Johnson and Ray Troll

Join Smithsonian paleontologist Kirk Johnson and legendary Alaska artist Ray Troll for tales from their North American adventures uncovering Earth’s deep history. By blending their interests in science and art, this event brings together new stories and visuals that may be familiar to many Alaskans.

Ray Troll is known for his humorous, science-inspired artwork. He created the un-o’-fish-al art for Salmonfest, and his work appears on millions of T-shirts and hoodies and has been featured in films. Ray also co-hosts the popular Paleo Nerds podcast and headlines his band, The Ratfish Wranglers. Ray and his wife, Michelle, live and work in Ketchikan, Alaska, and own and operate the Prairie Sea Gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Kirk Johnson is a paleobotanist known for his research on plants and dinosaur extinction, as well as his PBS documentaries, popular books, and collaborations with Ray. He is the Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where he oversees the world’s largest natural history collection.

Together, Ray and Kirk have written and illustrated their adventures in beloved books such as "Alaska Dinosaurs, Mammoths and More" and "Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway." They are currently working on a fossil atlas of the United States, to be published in 2026.

Following their talk, Ray and Kirk will remain for a reception. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is part of the College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series, “The Art and Science of Our World: Exploring the Wonder of Nature.” 

Tickets available at: https://centertix.com/events/uaacas-cruisin-deep-time-with-kirk-johnson-and-ray-troll

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