Bone up on fossils with Ray Troll

The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s newest exhibit, “Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline,” is open now, featuring artwork by honorary Oregonian Ray Troll.

The exhibit is based on the book of the same name, co-written by Troll, who primarily resides in Alaska, and Dr. Kirk Johnson, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Troll and Johnson logged more than 10,000 miles and 250 days traveling the North American coast in search of fossils. Their tales, often humorous and always interesting, are related in the book, which covers the evolutionary history of the west coast with a focus on California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska.

The all-ages exhibition features life-size sculptures, models and images of prehistoric creatures as well as authentic fossils. The exhibit also features paintings, hand-drawn maps and light and audio installations by Troll. Footage highlighting Troll’s fossil excursions can be viewed in the aquarium’s theater.

Part of the exhibit is dedicated solely to Oregon’s geologic record, extending back approximately 400 million years. The Oregon-focused portion of the exhibit features fossils found in Lincoln County and across Oregon. The state's fossil record includes marine and terrestrial plants and animals, corals, invertebrates and “traces” like eggs and tracks.

For more information, go to aquarium.org.