From Monet and Van Gogh to Max and Timu!
The Racine Zoo Hosts Inaugural Animal Art Gallery Showing

Racine – The Racine Zoo and Monfort’s Fine Art Gallery will host their first-ever animal art gallery showing and silent auction on Thursday, May 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Monfort’s Fine Art Gallery located at 430 Main Street in Downtown Racine.

The show is titled “Animal Artisans: A Gallery Showing” and features artwork in various mediums including beaded jewelry created by Max, one of the Zoo’s orangutans, paintings from many of the Racine Zoo’s animals including Timu, a black rhino as well as penguins, monkeys and tigers, and a paw print drawing by Kolmaya, an Amur Tiger.

“We are thrilled to host this event for the Racine community,” said Jennifer Hoyum of Monfort’s Fine Art Gallery. “Rarely does an opportunity so unique present itself – we are confident both the art community and the wildlife lovers in the area will come out to support this fundraiser for the Zoo.”

This free-admission silent auction features a wine tasting presented by Timer’s Beverage Center and light hors d’oeuvres as well a painting demonstration by Stinky, the Racine Zoo’s Animal Ambassador skunk.  A raffle for a “commissioned” painting by a Zoo animal in the colors of the winner’s choosing will also highlight the event.

“We are pleased to host an event such as this in Racine.  While many large zoo’s in large metro markets will auction or sell animal paintings, the only other zoo that hosts a gallery showing of animal art, that I know of, is in Houston.  We hope Racine will support this very unique event.  We have made it a free event, in hopes that people bid high and bid often,” said Jay Christie, Racine Zoo President and CEO.

For more information on Animal Artisans: A Gallery Showing and other Zoo events and programs, including Racine Zoo Summer Camp, visit www.racinezoo.org or call 262.636.9189.  

The Racine Zoo is open daily.  Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.

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