Charley Harper’s Natural World

9 AM - 5 PM, Daily

Included with Zoo admission I Free for members

See the natural world take shape!

Step into a world of wild shapes and vibrant colors with Charley Harper’s Natural World!

Connect with wildlife through colorful art and hands-on interactives in this summer’s temporary art exhibition, located in the Ford Education Center’s second-floor gallery. This exclusive art exhibition is here for a limited time — don’t miss your chance to explore the natural world through the art of Charley Harper!

About the Artist

As a conservationist and artist, Charley Harper (1922-2007) explored the unique aspects of wildlife through his minimal realist style by using geometric shapes and vivid colors.

About the Artist

As a conservationist and artist, Charley Harper (1922-2007) explored the unique aspects of wildlife through his minimal realist style by using geometric shapes and vivid colors.

“When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures,” Harper said when describing his work. “I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced, without trimming or unutilized parts; and herein lies the lure of painting; in a world of chaos, the picture is one small rectangle in which the artist can create an ordered universe.”

-Charley Harper

 “When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures,” Harper said when describing his work. “I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced, without trimming or unutilized parts; and herein lies the lure of painting; in a world of chaos, the picture is one small rectangle in which the artist can create an ordered universe.”

Sip on beverages and save wildlife at Summer Sips, presented by KeyBank!
Plus, groups of 4 or more receive $5 off per ticket! 
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