PaleoArtists
Taking scientific evidence such as fossils and scientific description, the PaleoArtist creates scientific illustrations or sculptures that depict prehistoric life. Their work makes environments never seen by humans come alive! Burpee is excited to bring two PaleoArtists to the 2025 Paleofest!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Ticket Type is Needed?
PaleoArt speakers are not included in General Admission. The 2025 PaleoArtists will be speaking in the Riverview Lecture Hall and are part of the Research Lecture packages.
Not ready for a full day of lectures? Try the lecture peek!
Can Families Attend?
Yes! We encourage all ages to explore science at PaleoFest. Not ready for a full day of lectures? Just want to see the PaleoArtists? Try a lecture Peek. There will be an artist before lunch on both Saturday and Sunday!
Lecture Peeks can be purshased a la carte:
Lecture Peeks are included in Packages:
What if I want to be a PaleoArtist?
Super! Start by talking to some of the scientists and artists at PaleoFest! If you are local, two Burpee educators teach classes in PaleoArt through the Art of the Earth series.
Talk Title: Carving Ancient Beasts at the Burpee and Beyond: 25 Years of Tyler Keillor’s Paleoart
Abstract: Tyler Keillor has been creating paleoart for the past 25 years. During this time, Tyler’s experimentation with materials and exploration of anatomy have elevated his sculptural reconstructions for many new species. In this special anniversary retrospective, Tyler will highlight projects and share techniques that he’s developed while working on wide ranging specimens, from Jane the T.rex to the ancient fish Tiktaalik, plus many more. Hear how Tyler got his start, and how he turned childhood interests into a career contributing to paleontology through art. Bring your paleoart questions and snap a selfie with one of Tyler’s sculptures that he’ll bring to the Burpee Museum especially for PaleoFest 2025!
Tyler Keillor
Paleoartist, Fossil Lab Manager in the Sereno Lab, University of Chicago
2025 Speaker
Bio:
Tyler didn’t plan to work in paleoart, but after pursuing movie makeup effects in the 90’s, he returned to his childhood love for paleo, and in 1999 he began working at the Field Museum in the Exhibition Department. Since 2001, he has worked at the University of Chicago in Paul Sereno’s Fossil Laboratory, and his reconstructions there have helped spotlight recent discoveries, and led to commissions for his work from other researchers and museums around the world. Tyler is both a fossil preparator and paleoartist, so the sculptures he creates while collaborating with paleontologists are grounded in reality and built for accuracy, while sparking public interest in new finds.
12:00 Erin Fitzgerald, University of Chicago
Talk Title: “Paleo. Art. And back again: An Artist’s Journey”
Abstract: Driven by a lifelong passion for both dinosaurs and art, Erin has explored various educations to ultimately fulfill her dream of working in paleontology. Her diverse academic background equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure a position at the University of Chicago. There, she works as a fossil preparator, combining her artistic abilities with lab techniques to take on disciplines such as photography, molding and casting, preparation, design, and expedition coordination. Her access to holotype specimens also inspired her personal
Paleoart, blending scientific discovery with creative expression.
Erin Fitzgerald
2025 Speaker
Bio: From a young age, I’ve been captivated by dinosaurs, knights in armor, and thrilling science fiction films and jungle safaris, which sparked a lifelong passion for exploration and creativity. These early fascinations, combined with my love for drawing, set me on a unique path. In 2000, I began volunteering as a fossil preparator at the Field Museum of Natural History, and by 2007, after earning my Bachelors degree in Graphic Design, I launched my career as a Preparator at the University of Chicago’s Sereno Fossil Lab. As a preparator, I’ve applied my artistic skills to enhance techniques such as photography, molding and casting, and paleoart, using these strengths to contribute to the scientific and creative aspects of paleontology. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of participating in field expeditions with institutions like The Burpee Museum and The Field Museum, and traveling with Dr. Paul Sereno to places such as Wyoming, Alaska, and Africa. This journey has broadened my understanding of science and diverse cultures, and my passion for travel has allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways—designing logos for local organizations and engaging in overseas projects in Africa, where I continue to combine my art skills with a desire to make a difference. In my free time, I’m usually planning my next adventure, practicing medieval 14th-century Italian fencing, or sketching the next coolest dinosaur skull.
About Burpee Museum’s PaleoFest
Since 1999, PaleoFest has become an internationally recognized and respected program that celebrates the science of Paleontology. PaleoFest is an exemplary program to excite, educate, and inspire all people in science. This 3-day event includes many educational programs and activities for all levels of interest in paleontology. Each year, PaleoFest attracts nearly 2,000 visitors and some of the biggest names in the field.