I Know Art

On Tuesday, September 16, auctionnetwork.com/aza will be selling original paintings created by animals living in some of North America’s top Zoos.

Kendall, an exceptionally talented Chimpanzee with the N.C. Zoo, is one of the artists being featured in this Online auction.

Proceeds from the sale of Kendall’s painting will come back to the N.C. Zoo to support its conservation work.

The Art by Animals auction will be broadcast Online—in high-definition—beginning at 5 p.m. (EDT) on September 16. A pre-auction show will begin an hour earlier to highlight the art and the artists included in the auction. Jack Hanna and Nigel Marve are among the celebrities that will appear during the three-hour program.

auctionnetwork.com/aza has already posted the entire auction catalog on its Web site, along with video bios of the animal artists. Web users are encouraged to explore the catalog now and are free to place proxy bids on the artwork before the auction begins.

No animals were harmed or endured any angst while creating these artworks.

Artists used non-toxic and washable paints to create each rendering. And, each artist fashioned his or her work in the comfort and tranquility of an animal enrichment session that was facilitated by a caring animal keeper.

During these sessions, some artists worked with traditional tools, choosing paintbrushes to express their craft.  Other artists pursued more daring and innovative modes of expression, bringing in paws, claws, tails or scales to manipulate their chosen mediums.

Some of the more distinguished artists joining the N.C. Zoo’s own Kendall include noted frogs, kangaroos, ocelots, elephants, red pandas, rhinoceros and Komodo Dragons from around North America.

All of the artworks originated in facilities that have earned accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).

AZA accredited facilities are required to meet the highest standards of animal care and welfare and undergo periodic peer review to ensure that they maintain these standards.  

Pam McKissick, founder and CEO of Auction Network, acknowledges that, “These institutions are leaders in conservation science and education, protecting wildlife and wild places and connecting millions of people to this important cause. Auction Network is excited to bring this dynamic auction to animal and art lovers worldwide.”

Auction Network is the first 24/7, multimedia network solely dedicated to auctions. Auction Network celebrates the sport and competitive spirit of auctions with a fast-paced, interactive programming environment where buyers meet sellers.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.

Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.