Knoxville Zoo becomes the wildest art gallery you’ve ever seen, featuring works by masters such as “Pigcasso”, “Van Goghrilla”, and “Vermeerkat”. Art Gone Wild!, an after-hours art show featuring original pieces created by zoo animals, will be held at the zoo on Friday, September 24 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Art Gone Wild! patrons can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they peruse inspired works available for purchase by some of the zoo’s artists in residence. The offering includes paintings by black bears, chimpanzees (with special pieces by baby George), gorillas, elephants, African wild dogs, mee
rkats, beavers, otters, bobcats, lions, tigers, penguins, red river hogs, donkeys, baboons and snakes. Some very special creations by the zoo’s red panda cubs will also be available, as will one-of-a-kind tote bags and walking sticks.
Guests will also get a chance to see some of the artists at work; Jana and Edie elephants will create two original paintings on canvas to be auctioned off at the event. The meerkats will also demonstrate their artistic skills and contribute a piece to the silent auction as well. Special packages that offer the chance to go behind-the-scenes to watch an animal artist create a custom work of art for the winning bidder will also be available.
All proceeds from Art Gone Wild! go to fund the zoo’s enrichment program, which provides stimulating environments that enhance the well-being of the zoo’s animals and encourage natural behaviors. Art Gone Wild! is for guests 21 years and older, and a photo ID will be required to enter the event. Tickets are $30 per person and are available online at www.knoxville-zoo.org, by phone at (865) 637-5331, at the zoo’s ticket window during business hours as well as the evening of the event. Zoo members receive a $5 discount.
Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville’s largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and weekends from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.
