Missoula Elementary Students to Celebrate Biodiversity with Life Sized Animal Artwork at Wilma

In celebration of Earth Day and this year’s International Wildlife Film Festival, the Wilma will be showcasing artwork from students at Missoula’s Paxson Elementary school at the 2019 IWFF Awards and Film Screening on Friday, April 19th.

5th graders from Paxson Elementary have worked hard to create 37 of their favorite life-sized animals to form a mural celebrating biodiversity on our planet. These animals include the deep sea siphonophore, the fossa from Madagascar, a whale shark, fennec fox, and sand cat.

They researched the ecology and conservation of their animal according to the IUCN Red List, and used careful measurements and color-blending to make their animals as life-like as possible. Paxon teacher, Kim Olsen and all of her students hope that these images inspire you to advocate for their protection for future generations.

The IWFF Awards Ceremony and Film Screening is a FREE event that’s open to the public, so stop by to check out the students’ art and watch some amazing wildlife films! More details here. In the meantime, checkout the photos below for a sneak peek of the artwork.