NATURE IN ART ACROSS THE GENERATIONS

The Shape of Nature: The Art of Francis Lee Jaques
June 12 through September 5
An Archive, A Forest: An Exhibition by recent graduates of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
June 19 through August 31
This unique combination of exhibitions showcases nature-inspired art across the generations and the decades—from the self-taught 20th-century artist Francis Lee Jaques, to contemporary interpretations by three newly-graduated Master of Fine Arts students at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). "The Shape of Nature: The Art of Francis Lee Jaques" features 80 original paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as numerous books, photographs and artifacts from Jaques' life and times. "An Archive, A Forest," features artworks by recent graduates John Bell, Ginny Maki and Branden Martz, three Minneapolis-based artists whose work deals with interpreting and defining themselves in relation to nature. The Bell Museum's dioramas and scientific collections inspired this exhibition that includes drawings, installation, paintings, photography, sculpture and objects from the museum’s collections.

SCIENCE DISCOVERY DAY CAMPS

New Summer Camp Added
Call 612-624-9050 for details
Summer is almost over but the Bell Museum’s Science Discover Summer Camps are going strong through September 3. We’ve just added an additional section of our popular “The Cosmos and Beyond” summer camp for the week of August 30 through September 3. Campers meet University scientists and take field trips to kid-friendly learning centers like animal hospitals, bee labs and The Raptor Center. Science Discovery Day Camps are competitively priced and conveniently located with flexible pick-up and drop-off times for working parents. Registration is $255; some discounts may apply.

EARLY FALL FIELD TRIPS

Through September 25
Cost: $7-8 members; $10-11 nonmembers
Registration required, call 612-624-9050
Enjoy early fall migration and the mysteries of autumn's forest floor with noted scientists and nature experts. These are a great opportunities to visit nature-viewing hotspots with some of themost popular trip leaders in town. Visit our calendar for remaining trips.

MY LIFE IN NATURAL HISTORY

an autobiography by Walter J. Breckenridge
The life and times of one of Minnesota's most legendary naturalists is the subject of "My Life in Natural History by Walter J. Breckenridge," just published by the University of Minnesota Bell Museum of Natural History. The 178-page book also features 44 pages of color plates of his paintings—many of which became limited edition prints. Known for his paintings of birds and wildlife settings, Breckenridge also is widely recognized for pioneering the craft of wildlife filmmaking—many done in passionate response to human pressures facing animals and their ecosystems. His scientific work and environmental advocacy led to the establishment of parks, wetlands and wildlife areas including Nerstrand Woods State Park, the Springbrook Nature Center and the university's Cedar Creek Natural History Area.

The book is available for $29.95 plus tax and shipping. Call 612-626-9660 to order your copy.