New York-based artist and printmaker Lothar Osterburg presents a mysterious and magical world of fanciful bridges, shantytowns, and flying machines -- all actually small models he has built from found materials, which he then prints using the traditional photogravure process, bringing each scene to life with a range of subtle greys and rich dark tones. Through March 17; gallery hours Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2638 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612/871-1326, www.highpointprintmaking.org

Paintings, photographs and sculpture by Sweden’s best-known and respected wildlife artists, with a special focus on the work of Bruno Liljefors and Lars Jonsson. Through May 14. The American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis. Open Tues., Thur.-Sat. 12-4 p.m., Wed. 12-8 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. (closed Mondays and holidays). Admission: $5, $4 ages 62+, $3 ages 6-18, free for children under six and Institute members. Free admission for all the first Wednesday of each month. 612/871-4907 or www.americanswedishinst.org.

Minnesota students, ages 6 though 18, express their appreciation and concerns about the environment in this one-of-kind exhibition of original art. Swaying prairie grasses, exuberant jungles, colorful fish and forests of every variety reveal how kids across the state interpret the natural world through painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and other media. Through April 23. Regular admission applies. Bell Museum of Natural History, University Ave. & 17th Ave. SE, Minneapolis; 612/624-7083; www.bellmuseum.org

This annual juried exhibition showcases the very best student-produced artwork of the school year. This year's show also features an added bonus: "Work @ MCAD," an exhibition of artwork by the MCAD staff, many of whom are accomplished artists and alumni of the college. Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Ave. S., MInneapolis. www.mcad.edu

What evolutionary patterns link Earth's species, from microbes to birds to human beings? In conjunction with the Walker Art Center's exhibition “Kiki Smith: A Gathering, 1980-2005,” the Bell Museum presents a special Café Scientifique on taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution. Join biologist and Bell Museum Director Scott Lanyon for an introduction to a worldwide research effort that is equivalent in scope to the Human Genome Project, and find out how and why researchers like Lanyon are assembling an evolutionary “tree of life” that will organize the 1.7 million described species on Earth. To learn more about Smith’s artwork, which references taxonomy, visit walkerart.org. Varsity Theater, Dinkytown. www.bellmuseum.org