Art on the Wild Side
Are you WILD about art?
Join the Phoenix Zoo in celebrating the splendor of animals and nature with Art on the Wild Side, a program dedicated to inspiration, celebration and conservation through art. Exhibits in our Savanna Gallery and Wild Side Gallery rotate throughout the year, each featuring a selection of artists who share their unique vision of wildlife and conservation via photography, paint and mixed media, allowing new ways for guests to engage in the Zoo’s mission to care for the natural world while being inspired by nature and animals.
Media Coverage
Wild Side Gallery
Located beyond the turnstiles at the Zoo’s entrance
Current Exhibit:
Savanna Gallery
Water is Life
October 3, 2024 – February 23, 2025
Daily | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In Arizona, the need for water is complicated and complex. Through original artwork and photography, this exhibit in the Phoenix Zoo’s Savanna Gallery celebrates this essential component’s broad impact on Arizona wildlife, plants and people. Too much or too little water can have dramatic consequence, and how we use and respect water is vital to our ecosystem.
Kids in Focus is a nonprofit organization mentoring youth to overcome adversity and build resilience through the art of photography.
Since 2012, Kids in Focus has been putting cameras in kids’ hands with the guidance and encouragement of adult mentors – many who are avid and professional photographers. These trained and skilled mentors use photography to connect, engage and encourage life-long creativity.
Kids in Focus provides over 700 unique experiences to over 350 students each year and creates opportunities for any child to express their unique perspective and voice with skills that foster confidence, resilience and joy.
This exhibit showcases more than 70 images taken by these amazing kids at Children First Leadership Academy, G Road at Emerson School, and Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School in 2023 – 24.
Learn more at KIDSINFOCUS.ORG
See the Kids In Focus profile on long-time Phoenix Zoo contributor and Kids in Focus mentor, Dave Siebert:
Wild Side Gallery
Common Ground: Diverse Visions Inspire a common Passion
September 5 – January 26
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Thursday – Sunday
In this special exhibit, artists Frank Gonzales, JenMarie Zeleznak, Jason Napier and Art Holeman come together to explore a shared theme through their unique artistic mediums. Frank Gonzales’s vibrant acrylic paintings offer bold, abstract interpretations of the world around us. JenMarie Zeleznak’s intricate watercolor pencil work captures the delicate beauty of nature. Jason Napier brings a sense of movement and form to the exhibit with dynamic bronze sculptures, contrasting yet complementing the other works. Art Holeman’s landscape photography of the Grand Canyon and Southwest highlights a composition of light, shadow and rugged textures. Despite their differing styles and mediums, these artists find common ground in their commitment to inspiring care for nature and the natural world.
All artwork will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.
Presented By
Explore past exhibits
Get involved
If you have general questions about the Art on the Wild Side program, contact the Arts Committee at artscommittee@phoenixzoo.org
Love art and people? We are looking for art ambassadors for our exhibit space at the Wild Side Gallery!
Recently renovated, the Wild Side gallery is a beautiful, air-conditioned, inspirational space with a covered courtyard on the Arizona trail and the soon to be completed Big Cats of Arizona exhibit.
Greet Zoo guests, share about our current exhibit and even assist at our special art openings, installations, and deinstalls.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Are you a professional artist that is passionate about animals and the natural world? Have an idea for an exhibit? We would love to hear from you!
Occasionally, we host group shows that embrace the theme of conservation and art. We would love for you to apply! Make sure you are following @artonthewildside on Instagram for any updates.
Check back regularly to see if we are taking submissions for a juried show and to find the submittal link.