Dioramas: Bringing Nature to Life with Creativity, Art, & Science
Date
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 9 am–12 pm
Location
Tickets
Join us as we explore the captivating world of dioramas! We are excited to have Dr. Matt Davis, Exhibition Developer and co-author/editor of Fabricating Wilderness, our new book on the history of NHM’s habitat dioramas. Dr. Davis will speak about our newly opened Diorama Hall, Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness, blending art and science to delve into biodiversity, ecology, conservation, colonialism, and our evolving museum displays. We'll also hear from Becca Wilcox, a classroom teacher at Gabriella Charter School and former museum staff member, who will share insights on transforming your classroom into a Natural History Museum and beyond. Come curious and be prepared to create your own diorama to take back to the classroom!*
*Supplies will be provided, however educators are encouraged to bring their own art supplies if they like.
Important Workshop Information:
- Our workshops fill up incredibly fast! Please only sign up if you are sure you can make it - and if plans change, cancel your RSVP to give a space to someone on the waitlist.
- While we love welcoming your families to our museums, this specific program is intended for formal & informal educators who are adults (18+)
- In-person workshops are subject to cancellation due to low registration, inclement weather, or changes in safety measures.
- We aim to make NHM an exciting, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any questions about this event and the accommodation services we offer, contact our Call Center at 213.763.3466 or info@nhm.org. We ask that any requests for special accommodations be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Topics and Program are subject to change
Our Speakers
Dr. Matt Davis is an award winning paleontologist and science communicator who curates exhibitions for NHMLAC (NHM and La Brea Tar Pits). Davis’s conservation and paleontology research frequently appears in media outlets like National Geographic, The NY Times, The Atlantic, and Rolling Stone. Passionate about pedagogy, he’s helped write high school and college textbooks and recently edited two books for NHMLAC: Fabricating Wilderness: The Habitat Dioramas of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and A Field Guide to La Brea Tar Pits: A Mark Dion Project. Before joining NHMLAC, Davis earned his PhD at Yale and served as a Smithsonian Institution Fellow.
Ms. Becca Wilcox earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from The University of Redlands and a Master’s in Museum Education from Johns Hopkins University. After nearly 10 years in museum education, she pursued a multiple-subject teaching credential at Alliant International University. Coming from a family of educators, moving into the classroom was the natural next step to combine her love of teaching and passion for museums. She enjoys traveling, reading, making art, visiting museums (obviously!), and spending time with her dog, Luna, and her family.
Educator Workshops sponsored by
Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART, returns in September 2024, presenting more than 70 exhibitions from organizations across the region exploring the intersections of art and science, both past and present. PST ART is presented by Getty. For more information about PST ART: Art & Science Collide, please visit pst.art.