Idaho State Student Art Featured at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Recently, staff at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve finished installing the 35 pieces in the "Small Batch, Artisanal Magma and Major Events: Volcanic History of Idaho" exhibit. On display at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center until spring 2027, the exhibit features paintings and sketches inspired by events in Idaho’s rich volcanic past, including the Idaho Batholith and the Challis Volcanic Group, the volcanoes of the Snake River Plain, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, and other locations throughout the Gem State. The art pieces are grouped based on volcanic processes and products, with informational placards providing guests with information about the associated geologic history.

“It’s kind of exciting but also surreal to have my art featured at a national monument,” said Andrea Rasmussen, a senior double majoring in geology and physics from Pocatello, Idaho, and a self-described “intermediate artist.” “I’ve never had my art featured before, and I’m always too much of a perfectionist when it comes to my art. But I’m very proud of my pieces, and I’m excited to share them with others.

“Craters of the Moon loves to partner with local organizations, especially universities and schools, said Michael Irving, chief of interpretation and education for Craters of the Moon and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monuments. “To have the opportunity to showcase both the hard work of local students and provide visitors with information about Idaho geology is a collaboration we couldn't pass up. People should come out to see the exhibit because it allows them to view great art and learn a little something in the process. Visitors can read about the geologic processes that inspired the art and also experience one of Idaho's most geologically unique places.”

Students created the works in the Field Seminar Volcanic History of Idaho and Artistic Interpretation course. Taught by Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of the geosciences department at ISU, and Laura Ahola-Young, professor of art and vice provost for faculty affairs, the class gave students crash courses in volcanology, basic drawing, volcanic history, and watercolor techniques, among other topics. The class took a six-day field trip in April to see the geologic features they’d been discussing in person and gain inspiration for their work. In May, the pieces made their public debut in the Community Gallery of the Idaho Museum of Natural History.

“I'm really proud of the work that the students did to put together a show that not only reflects what they saw visiting volcanic sites in Idaho but actually teaches other people about it as well,” said Kobs Nawotniak. “To have their work featured at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which is an iconic volcanic site that puts a lot of work into its educational mission, is an incredible honor.”

More on the ISU Departments of Geosciences and Art can be found at isu.edu/geosciences and isu.edu/art, respectively.

For more information about Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, visit https://www.nps.gov/crmo.