I have to admit I was not prepared for the unbelievable beauty of the Exquisite Creatures exhibit. It was one of the best and most unique exhibits I have ever seen. The artist and naturalist, Christopher Marley, takes animals, fish, insects, and other creatures that have recently died and preserves them. While that itself is not so unusual, what he does with them is. He creates some of the most unique, gorgeous, and fascinating artwork I have ever encountered. REALLY.

When I was in college I went to DC to visit a friend who was working as an intern. She was working during the day so I had five days to visit many of the museums. I remember visiting the National Gallery of Art and being both amazed and overwhelmed. But, that was the museum that prompted my curiosity about art and artists.