Dino-NITE? Dyno-MITE!

What if there were an island where dinosaurs still roamed? Where they evolved intelligence and the ability to speak? Illustrator and author James Gurney answered this question when he created the fantasy island Dinotopia in 1992 with the publication of Dinotopia: A Land Apart From Time. It was the first...

By Pat Rothblatt

July 8, 2010

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What if there were an island where dinosaurs still roamed? Where they evolved intelligence and the ability to speak? Illustrator and author James Gurney answered this question when he created the fantasy island Dinotopia in 1992 with the publication of Dinotopia: A Land Apart From Time. It was the first in a series of four bestselling books, told in the form of the supposed journals of Victorian-era explorer Arthur Denison, Lewis and Clark-style. It has become popular among scientists and science-fiction fans alike. Anyone who has seen the Star Wars prequels will note the similarities between the planet of Naboo and the fictional island. Even fans of the TV series Lost will see similarities between “The Island” on TV and this island full of shipwrecked humans.

Since June, the Norton Museum of Art has brought this artist’s imagination to life with its summer-long exhibition “Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney.” And Thursday, as part of its monthly “Art After Dark” event, it will host Dino-NITE! As usual, there will be a cash bar, food from Café 1451, hands-on art activities, and tours with curators. Specific for this night will be performances by musicians Chris Kahl and Ben Prestage, a screening of the 2000 Disney computer animated film Dinosaur, and an all-ages story time.

Dino-NITE! starts at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Norton Museum of Art (1401 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach). Admission costs $12 for adults, $5 for ages 13 to 21. Call 561-832-5196, or visit norton.org.
Thu., July 8, 5 p.m., 2010

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