The Greenville Zoo has launched a new mosaic art project that will give the community an opportunity to honor the zoo’s late elephants and help raise funds for new exhibit space and elephant conservation efforts.
The digital mosaic will be crafted from over 1,000 individual pieces of artwork created by the public and will occupy a new plaza area in front of the former Elephant Exhibit.
“The mosaic is a wonderful opportunity for the zoo and community to pay tribute to our beloved elephants, Joy and Ladybird, and help create a permanent work of art to be displayed at the zoo,” said Dr. Heather Miller, Deputy Administrator for Animal Health.
To participate, artists can visit greenvillezoo.com to purchase a space on the mosaic for $25 for zoo members and $30 for non-members, which includes shipping. Purchases can also be made at the zoo for $20. Participants will receive a uniform piece of cardstock to use. The designs should be family-friendly and feature animals, especially elephants or African-themed subject matter. The zoo encourages children to create their own drawings and use bright colors, which will make the mosaic even more beautiful. The artwork must be returned to the Greenville Zoo by March 1. Plans are to unveil the mosaic in the summer of 2015.
The Greenville Zoo is rated one of the best tourist attractions in South Carolina, attracting over 270,000 people annually. Operated by the City of Greenville, the 14-acre facility features wildlife from around the world, including orangutans, giraffes, monkeys and giant tortoises. Visitors can also enjoy one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, the Reptile Building, which is home to a variety of lizards, frogs, turtles and snakes. For more information about the Greenville Zoo, visit greenvillezoo.com or follow the zoo on Facebook at facebook.com/greenvillezoo.