The Arizona that we live in today was once a very different landscape. What is so familiar to us now, as windswept mesas and arid deserts, was at one time, underwater and teeming with an abundance of fascinating lifeforms. In order to imagine the flora, fauna and environment of ancient times, we look to the research of geologists and paleontologists, which has served as an abundant source of inspiration for numerous artistic interpretations. 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. Some of the concerns that shape both fields are: identifying an audience and method of presentation, representing subject matter with precision and accuracy, and addressing both historical depictions and predictive models.
You are invited to explore a presentation of some of the many ways that humans have imagined and interpreted the ancient Arizona landscape over time. Artifacts on display include a variety of objects: indigenous artworks, geologic materials, fossils, maps, diagrams, scientific illustrations, and children's toys. As you investigate these objects, consider how they shape your view of ancient Arizona and the southwestern landscape you see today.
This exhibition was designed by Douglas Wolfe, a noted Earth Scientist, who initiated the Zuni Basin Paleontological Project in collaboration with the Mesa Southwest Museum (now AZMNH), the Southwest Paleontological Society, and associated researchers. The intent was to discover new vertebrate fossils from the “middle” Cretaceous. This project received international recognition for impactful discoveries such as the Zuni Basin Dinosaurs. Doug, associated researchers and student volunteers have published dozens of peer-reviewed papers including description of 7 new dinosaurs species extending the range and age of taxa previously thought restricted to Asia.
The Zuni Dinosaur discoveries are the subject of substantial media interest, leading Doug to serve as technical consultant and presenter for the Discovery Channel documentary When Dinosaurs Roamed America, featuring the Zuni dinosaurs. Doug has also been a contributor to media efforts by the BBC (Planet Dinosaur), German television (Anna and the Wild Animals), and others. He has presented and produced live-interactive educational television segments on multiple geologic topics for students. Doug is a mentor to many students, providing real-world research opportunities from high school through graduate studies involving project research. He has also provided field programs and support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Doug established the White Mountain Dinosaur Exploration Center in 2014 and a public museum highlighting the Zuni Dinosaur discoveries and local geology for community members, schools and visitors. Wolfe established the Zuni Dinosaur Institute for Geosciences (ZDIG), an Arizona 501c3, in 2019. Doug is an Adjunct Instructor for Earth Sciences at Northland Pioneer College.
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