This Saturday, “Peace on Earth” opens at the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster. The exhibition addresses concerns for the environment and the fragility of ecosystems that support animal life.
The Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center
Thoughts about the upcoming art show inspired me to go to Prime Desert Woodland Preserve a few days ago to learn more about the animals that survive there. I began the exploration talking to a friendly park ranger in the Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center, which is open Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
She let me know that the animals that rangers had seen the most lately were cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, ravens, ground squirrels and quail. Coyote sightings also had been reported that day by visitors, she said.
Animal skull inside the interpretive center
The Center is filled with wonderful ways to get to know the animals. Images of desert animals lined the walls with descriptions. There was even a table where I could touch an antler, a bird wing and an animal skull!
I also learned from the informative displays that 100 years ago, spotting wild animals, such as bobcats, bears and rattlesnakes, was a daily occurrence in the area, and sometimes a source of danger for those living in the Antelope Valley. In 1917, packs of wolves were reported wandering in the El Mirage area.
Cottontail at the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
After spending so much time exploring the interpretive center, I didn’t have a lot of time to hike. But during the time I did spend on the trails, I saw more than a half dozen cottontail rabbits. They were adorable.
And I’m pretty sure I’m going to see more rabbits—or at least artistic interpretations of them—Saturday at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History.
“Peace on Earth” art by Bobbie Moline-Kramer
“Peace on Earth” opens with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019). The Museum of Art and History is located at 665 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, California 93534.
The exhibition will continue through April 20.
Artists featured in “Peace on Earth” include: Bobbie Moline-Kramer, Catherine Coan, Chie Hitotsuyama, Clayton Campbell, Cynthia Minet, David Adey, Debbie Korbel, Devin Thor, Emily Ding, Emily Maddigan, James Griffith, Jane Fisher, Jen Meyer, Kim Kimbro, Laura Larson, Laurence Vallières, Laurie Hassold, Laurie Sumiye, Lori Michelon, Lori Pond, Luke Matjas, Margo Ray, Matthew Floriani, Nancy Evans, Robb Putnam, Samuelle Richardson, Scott Yoell, Simone Gad, Spenser Little, Stephen O’Donnell, Tami Bahat and Zachary Mendoza.
“Peace on Earth” art by James Griffith