Art on the Wild Side

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo recently introduced a rotating art exhibit program to enhance visitors’ experience and to help communicate its important national and international conservation efforts. Exhibited artwork embraces the mission of the Phoenix Zoo: to advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.

Through Sept. 2, artists Lawrence Finkel and April Howland showcase their unique vision of wildlife and conservation via photography, paint and mixed media. Guests can engage in the zoo’s mission to care for the natural world while being inspired by nature and animals. Art is available for purchase and zoo admission is required to visit the Savanna Gallery. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.

Finkel, based in Scottsdale, has had an interest in the natural world since childhood. He is a passionate photographer of wildlife and nature who specializes in birds.

It’s his goal to excite and inspire viewers by capturing beautifully detailed photographic images of birds in the wild. He hopes these images will contribute to people’s desire to protect and conserve these amazing creatures and their natural habitat.

Howland resides in Central Phoenix. She has been a professional artist for more than 15 years. After studying under a wonderful art mentor in Sedona, Arizona, and receiving her degree, she sought out various acclaimed artists and instructors and began honing her fine art skills. Inspired by conservation, nature and animals, Howland’s primary focus remains steady in her thriving wildlife series and domestic animal portrait business. As she travels the globe from Alaska to Africa for inspiration, Howland’s eye for composition and design combined with her love of color enables her to create rich and unique art pieces. Her one-of-a-kind style is a successful blend of contemporary and realism.

She uses a variety of materials to accomplish her works, but her methodology remains consistent. “To me, each piece of art is a beautiful learning experience with amazing shapes and tones working together to tell a story,” she says. Howland’s works have been in a number of juried shows. She has shown in various galleries and is now represented by Beals & Co in Santa Fe, New Mexico.


Art on the Wild Side

September 2, 2019

Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo, Savanna Gallery, 455 N.Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

For more information, visit phoenixzoo.org.

About Perrine Adams

Perrine Adams is the Managing Editor of The Red Book and Lifestyle Editor for Frontdoors Magazine.

From Frontdoors Magazine

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