Come enjoy the largest collection of original art created by animals of Caldwell Zoo.
Each of these masterpieces would be a stunning addition to your collection or make a fabulous gift to anyone who appreciates creativity and the wonders of nature.
The dazzling exhibit will be on display at Gallery Main Street and open to the public from June 21st-July 7th. Make sure you see the full collection and learn all about the artists and the techniques used in the creative process.
By purchasing the art, not only do you get to own a one-of-a-kind painting, but you are directly helping Caldwell Zoo operations and its ongoing mission to conserve wildlife.
JOIN US AT:
Gallery Main Street
110 North College Avenue
Tyler, Texas 75702
Phone: (903) 593-6905
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About the Animal Artistes and their Works
Ash, Stepping Sharply
Sometimes talent simply pours out of an artist. That is certainly true of Ash, the porcupine, whose entire persona resembles bristles of a painter’s brush. His most recent work reflects on his global consciousness, sharing the similarities and contradictions between his African heritage and his home in America. The earthy tones and organic shapes communicate his appreciation and deep respect for the natural world. Ash’s work combines a delicate touch with poignant accents that really stick with the viewer.
Ayotunde, Echoes of the Savanna
The primal power of Ayotunde’s art leaps from his canvases. His paintings exude raw ferocity and unbridled energy. The aggressive brush strokes literally can’t be contained in the confines of the canvas. As a renowned and dedicated artist, Ayotunde is famous for his free spirit and fondness for classical Herculean themes such as stalking, hunting and overcoming adversity. His work often reflects on themes of conflict resolution and the role of masculinity in the modern family pride.
Castanza, Midnight Dance
There’s a lovely rhythm of in the delicate paintings of Castanza. Layers of pigment are thoughtfully built upon each other, giving his paintings profound complexity and depth. As a lifelong connoisseur of tribal dance and seasonal ceremonies, Castanza’s paintings celebrate the joy of movement and the delicate balance between anatomical fortitude and the constraints of gravity.
Cricket, Opal and Xena June, Graceful Company
The artworks by this family of maestros are cherished by collectors who appreciate the power of collaboration. Their collective work is a testimony against the psychological aggrandizement of the ego. Creatives are often considered isolationists and antisocial. This is absolutely not the case for these gregarious collaborators. Every canvas perfectly blends individuality with the power of camaraderie. Alternating techniques represent differing perspectives that combine perfectly to create a sense of balance and harmony.
Emanti with Tonya, Pas de Deux
Emanti greets every canvas just like how he welcomes the rising sun- as if every hour, every minute is an opportunity to seize the moment and make the most of every breath. Having dutifully studied under his mentor Tonya, Emanti now confidently applies his passion and joie de vivre to his own work. His bold, broad brushstrokes are reflective of his appreciation for other great American artists such as Pollack and Basquiat. Although his paintings are undeniably powerful in expression, there’s also a gentleness of touch that relates to his goal of creating a sense of connectivity. Power and sensitivity are masterfully entwined in this striking collaboration with his elder, Tonya.
Maya, Silent Shadows
Delicate introspection saturates the canvas in Maya’s ethereal expression. The artist’s quest for harmony is expertly expressed with each step of her paw. Shadow and light swirl across the surface as if the conscious and unconscious are engaged in some primordial union. Maya’s approach to creativity begins with a careful selection of complementary colors that are inspired by the seasonal changes of forest foliage. She harnesses her creative powers by the light of the moon and applies the pigments with elegant delicacy.
Oliver and Pearl, Joyful Water
While some artists are famous for moody isolation, Oliver and Pearl bravely present the perspective of art as fun. Taking inspiration from the Shakespearean acknowledgement that comedy is as rich as tragedy, these creative partners dive into their work with indefatigable enthusiasm. Paint is applied with a keen sense of playfulness and a live-for-the-moment mentality. But don’t be fooled into thinking their work isn’t serious. Oliver and Pearl approach each painting with the same seriousness as a proper afternoon nap.
Sprinkles, Waves of Home
As the youngest artist in this exhibition, Sprinkles brings a contemporary view and youthful rebellion to her artwork. Undaunted by constraints of tradition, she is fearless in her application of color and deconstructionism of geometric forms. As if unleashing her own spirit, she has chosen contrasting warm tones over the cool tones of her native oceanic environment. Sprinkles challenges the viewer to walk on the wild side with a beak held high.
Tonya, Rhythm and Never Forget
Built on decades of historically important work, Lady Tonya’s paintings are revered for breathtaking virtuosity and beauty. The Expressionistic mastery from years of focused dedication is blatantly evident in every stroke. There’s an obvious nod to the Parisian masters of the 19th century in the use of vibrant colors and the tones of natural light. Her dexterity is clearly on display as the 40,000 muscles of her trunk expertly have the brush dancing across the canvas.
Mazaruni, Forest Reflections and Amazon Blossoms
Mazaruni is an emerging force in the abstract expressionism scene and a distinguished artist at Caldwell Zoo. Her energetic approach to painting combines athletic prowess and precision and with an intentionality that sets her work apart. Her inspiration comes from the calm moments between intense play sessions. The earthy tones she chooses create a sense of peace and familiarity. Mazaruni’s artistic education came at a young age as she freely dove into the creative prowess. With the use of her feet and tail, she builds complex textural variations that complement the broad brushstrokes from her brother, Salvador.
Salvador Forest Reflections and Amazon Blossoms
Salvador, explores the relationship between raw instinct and cultural expression. There’s an undeniable fearlessness in his approach to painting, believing that chaos doesn’t always have to be controlled. The vibrant colors represent the elation he feels as the force of gravity is lessened in bodies of water. Each of his pieces invites viewers to transcend the mundane and embrace the perspective of living passionately without societal constraints. Salvador and his sister, Mazaruni, create an immaculate balance of quick brushstrokes with deliberate footprints that set the duo apart.
Sunny, Impressions of Spring
Sunny’s masterpieces challenge viewers to extend their idea of reality and immerse themselves in their own unique perspective. His vibrant personality is brilliantly on display, just as his animated movements bring a dynamic quality to his work. He finds inspiration in the natural elements surrounding him, such as the grass, sky, sun, and earth, and uses natural tones to ground his work. Sunny is a highly respected, self-taught artist with a passion for creating art that every species in the world can enjoy. For over 33 years, Sunny has perfected the art of having a ball while painting and continues to inspire viewers to take a step back and enjoy the little things in life.
Wangari, Tides
As one of the smallest artists at the Caldwell Zoo, Wangari is gifted with a gigantic vision. Over the years, she has developed a technique where she literally dances across the canvas, leaving behind tantalizing patterns of her journey. Her “pitter-patter” approach allows her to intentionally make her mark, creating thought-provoking masterpieces that both penguins and humans can appreciate. Wangari gets her inspiration from her fellow African penguins and the human friends she sees every day. The cool tones represent her oceanic heritage, while the warm tones represent the vibrant and unpredictable energy of the colony. Her art exemplifies the swirling current of life and her love of the water, and she looks forward to sharing more of her creations with her adoring supporters.
Kiano, Dawn Rising and Quiet Strength
The dazzling black rhino creates art that unites abstract expression with surreal subject matter. He’s an artistic maestro who utilizes a mix of deliberate, solid strokes and freeform shapes that represent his larger-than-life personality. Kiano draws inspiration from the many dreams he conjures during his many naps. His latest works showcase stunning sunset colors that represent his appreciation for the sun’s warmth and soothing power. For over fourteen years, Kiano has been driven by the primal urge to create. He inspires viewers to expand their current conceptions of artistic possibility, demonstrating that art transcends species-specific boundaries.
