ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF ZOO ATLANTA’S BUILD YOUR BEST CHALLENGE

Winners in three categories will receive a free one-year Zoo Atlanta Family Membership

ATLANTA – July 28, 2022 – Zoo Atlanta is pleased to announce the winners of the Build Your Best Challenge, a nine-week contest inspired by Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! ® Made with LEGO® Bricks, on exhibition at Zoo Atlanta now through August 8, 2022. The contest, which launched on the opening date of the exhibition on May 13, invited LEGO builders of all ages to create their own favorite animals, scenes from Zoo Atlanta, or imaginary animals for a chance to win a free one-year Zoo Atlanta Family Membership. Metro Atlanta’s own Mark and Steven Erickson, winners of FOX’s LEGO Masters Season Two, served as the contest’s celebrity judges.

“We were excited to host an engaging complement to the incredible opportunity we have had to host Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! at Zoo Atlanta this summer. The many entries we received demonstrated abundant imagination, interest in wildlife and Zoo Atlanta, and exploration of the intrinsic value of all animals,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “We are very grateful to Mark and Steven Erickson for their generosity in partnering with us on the Build Your Best Challenge.”

Zoo Atlanta received nearly 90 entries in three categories: 10 and under; 11 to 17; and 18 and up. Prizes will be awarded to the first-place winner in each category.

“We were so inspired by all of the amazingly creative builds that were entered. We carefully studied every single entry photo,” said Mark Erickson. “Everyone should be super-proud of their hard work, because it was so difficult to pick our favorites.”

10 and under: “Up in the Canopy with a Rhinoceros Hornbill” by Rylan Carmichael, age 9

“We love how this LEGO model feels like a stage, beautifully presenting the Zoo Atlanta sign above the hornbill in the center,” Erickson said. “Excellent presentation and composition!”

11 to 17: “Peregrine Falcon” by Rowan McClelland, age 16

“This build showcases an exceptional skill at building with LEGO,” said Erickson. “Very impressive!”

18 and up: “Sloth” by Evelyn Kiser, age 35

“With just a few pieces, this build is an adorable character full of personality,” Erickson said.

See a full album of photos of all entries on Zoo Atlanta Facebook.

Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! features more than 40 wildlife-inspired sculptures crafted exclusively with over 800,000 LEGO Bricks. In eye-popping colors and unexpected presentations, the exhibition merges art, science, and engineering to re-image the interconnectedness of all life.

Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! is only open through August 8. Admission to the exhibition is free with general admission; free with Zoo Atlanta Membership. Get tickets now on zooatlanta.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
404.624.2812 – office
404.309.2238 – cell
rdavis@zooatlanta.org

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations & Communications Specialist
404.624.5980 – office
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org