The exhibition includes more than 60 works in a variety of media by 44 artists from throughout the United States. The popular juried exhibition, which has been presented five times in the past, returns to the museum after a hiatus of seven years. It is organized by museum preparator Gail Binder and presented by the Natural Sciences Department. A wide variety of California species are represented in the exhibition, including tiny wasp, beetle and worm species, frogs, toads, ground squirrels, owls, egrets and other birds, and larger animals such as a bobcat and a killer whale. Works in the exhibition were selected based on both their aesthetic appeal and their elucidation of the species depicted.
Biological illustration is based on precise rendering.
Accuracy is essential, and illustrators must be versatile and in command of multiple techniques. They must also be sufficiently versed in their subjects to make renderings appear natural and lifelike. Works are often produced in conjunction with scientific text, or as part of displays in nature centers, museums and other exhibition spaces. They are often striking for their beauty, and many are presented as works of fine art in galleries, or available in prints and other media. A wide variety of California species are represented in the exhibition, including tiny wasp, beetle and worm species, frogs, toads, ground squirrels, owls, egrets and other birds, and larger animals such as a bobcat and a killer whale.