Daily-ist: Friday

Museum of Unnatural History

Join Art League Houston tonight for an exclusive viewing of the unusual animals and specimens procured by scientist Dr. Thomas Harrigan during his explorations into an alternate universe.

According to texts by Dr. Harrigan, The Sidereal is "in many ways a mirror image of our world [that] has produced a variety of species possessing adaptations wildly divergent from those we see on earth." Creatures on display will include the Pushmi-pullyu (Tragus januali), a lichen eating two headed sheep; the longcat (Lynx metamorpha), a blue mite covered feline whose powerful limbs and body can expand up to ten times their at-rest length; and the Procyon besheret, fondly known as the "pair-bears" due to the permanent fusing of tails during a secret mating ritual.

In reality, the creatures on view are the brainchild of Houston-based artist Elaine Bradford. Her "Museum of Unnatural History" is a diorama installation featuring sculptures made from taxidermied animals. Some of the animals are in their original state, while others have had their parts mixed-and-matched Dr. Seuss-style. The animals are then clothed in outfits crocheted by Bradford, giving them a macabre but whimsical look.

You can read more about the artist here, including the story of how she came to crochet sweaters for everything in her fridge, even the individual baby carrots. Art League Houston will be offering to free docent tours January 10 and February 7 at 2 p.m. The exhibition opens tonight with a talk by the artist and a reception from 6-8 p.m.

Museum of Unnatural History
Admission: FREE!
Date and Time: Tonight, 6-8 p.m.
Location: 1953 Montrose Blvd

Photo: the Procyon besheret, A.K.A "pair-bears", courtesy Art League Houston