Muralist Susie Alexander of Susie Alexander Art (@susiealexanderart) is the artist behind Lake Tahoe’s underwater habitat in the lounge area of the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center. The exhibit shows shallow habitat, deep water habitat, and living aquatic organisms that you might find in those underwater environments.

 “This has been such an inspiring three-plus weeks of painting at the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center. I am so inspired to continue painting water. It has become an important topic in the West,” says Alexander.

Look for all the aquatic species that are native to Lake Tahoe, including Lahontan cutthroat trout, Mountain whitefish, Tui chub, Paiute sculpin, Tahoe sucker, Lahontan speckled dace, Lahontan redside shiner, and various zooplankton found in the lake. There are many other species hidden in the gorgeous mural, and many of these organisms have a unique story to be told. The artist’s rendering makes you feel as if you have put on your scuba gear and are floating beneath the water.

The mural project is part of a larger Institute of Museum and Library Services grant-funded project to teach about climate change and aquatic ecosystems. Additional elements including videos, activities, and augmented reality features will be added in the coming months. However, the artwork alone is worth seeing.

Check out the Underwater lounge at the Tahoe Science Center, advanced reservations are required for docent-led tours of the Tahoe Science Center.

Underwater Lake Tahoe Scavenger Hunt 

Dive into the Underwater Lake Tahoe Exhibit Lounge (Discussion Questions/Preguntas de Discusion)