The Arizona that we live in today was once a very different landscape. The windswept mesas and arid deserts were, at one time, underwater and teeming with an abundance of fascinating lifeforms. To imagine the flora, fauna and environment of ancient times, we look to the research of geologists and paleontologists. Their scientific work serves as an abundant source of inspiration for numerous artistic interpretations.
The public is invited to explore the bridging of life, science and art in Northland Pioneer College’s (NPC) Imagine Ancient Arizona – Tales from the Lost Coast of Mogollon exhibit running now through March 6, 2026, at the Talon Gallery located on NPC’s Show Low campus.
The exhibit explores the many ways that humans have imagined and interpreted the ancient Arizona landscape over time. According to the exhibit’s narrative, “Science and art are constantly evolving; both are impacted by developments in technology and increasing discoveries in research. Visual models are created, re-interpreted and revised. Artistic and scientific practices are linked in their pursuit to present the most relevant and engaging information to their audiences.” The exhibit displays a variety of artifacts and objects: indigenous artworks, geologic materials, fossils, maps, diagrams, scientific illustrations, and even children's toys.
Douglas Wolfe, an adjunct professor at NPC and a noted earth scientist, designed the exhibit. Wolfe founded the Zuni Basin Paleontological Project in collaboration with the Mesa Southwest Museum (now AZMNH), the Southwest Paleontological Society, and associated researchers. Their goal was to discover new vertebrate fossils from the “middle” Cretaceous. The project received international recognition for impactful discoveries such as the Zuni Basin Dinosaurs of the Mogollon Rim.
Over the years, the Zuni Dinosaur discoveries have been the subject of substantial media interest. Wolfe served as technical consultant and presenter for the Discovery Channel documentary When Dinosaurs Roamed America, featuring the Zuni dinosaurs. He has also been a contributor to media efforts by the BBC (Planet Dinosaur), German television (Anna and the Wild Animals), and others. In addition, Wolfe has presented and produced live-interactive educational television segments on multiple geologic topics for students.
In 2014, Wolve established the White Mountain Dinosaur Exploration Center, a public museum located in Springerville, AZ. The museum highlights local geology and the Zuni Dinosaur discoveries for community members, schools and visitors. Wolfe established the Zuni Dinosaur Institute for Geosciences (ZDIG), an Arizona 501c3, in 2019.
Imagining Ancient Arizona – Tales from the Lost Coast of Mogollon can be viewed at the Talon Gallery Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.npc.edu/talon-art-gallery or contact Gallery Director and NPC Art Faculty Magda Gluszek at magda.gluszek@npc.edu or call (800) 266-7845, ext. 6176.
