Artist and teacher Michael Herron visited Taronga Western Plains Zoo as part of the Taronga Foundation’s Artist in Residence program.

The artists are given a rare insight into the work of the Zoo providing them with an experience that allows them to unleash their creativity in new, wildlife-inspired  ways.

Michael spent two full days at the White Rhino exhibit furiously drawing the animals with charcoal and ink.  Michael’s artworks were almost like an exhibit themselves, drawing plenty of attention from visitors to the Zoo with many stopping to observe him at work across the weekend.

At the end of the program, Michael’s artwork along with other artists’ works will be framed, catalogued and curated for exhibition at the University Gallery Newcastle from 20 July – 6 August.  The donated works will then be exhibited in Sydney and auctioned by Bonhams on Sunday 21 August, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the Zoo’s conservation programs for endangered animals.

To date the Artist in Residence program which is now in its third year has raised more than $300,000 for the Taronga Foundation, through the auction of dozens of works generously donated by the 40 artists who have participated so far.

Mandy – Zoo Communications