Art is going wild at Zoo Atlanta! Announcing the Zoo’s annual plein air event, Art Gone Wild, Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 5, 2020, at Zoo Atlanta. An art show and sale will kick off on Friday, June 12 and continue through Sunday, June 14.

Up to forty artists will be selected to create their art “en plein air,” using the exotic and inspiring animals and botanicals of the Zoo as their muses. Zoo Atlanta guests will have the opportunity to watch as the artists take their canvases from blank to beautiful.

Call for entry to artists is open! Applications are available online here, or you can email to request an application.

Allowed mediums include 2D works with paint, chalk, pastel, ink and pencil. 3D work including clay, fabric, paper, found objects and photography is also allowed. Keep in mind that you will have limited or no access to electrical outlets, and that you will be packing up your materials each evening. Also, the use of torches, flame or aerosol products are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Find Your Muse Walk-Through | May 11 – 15

Artists are encouraged visit to the Zoo at any time prior to June 1 to become familiar with the animals and space at the Zoo, with one day of free admission provided between May 11 – 15. On the day of their visit, artists will receive free admission and an artist packet detailing final rules, regulations, and a Paint Out Week entry badge.

All public areas of the Zoo will be available to the artists, with some exhibits having predetermined, designated artist space so that public viewing will not be obstructed. This will limit the number of artists allowed at one time at these exhibits. Specific details will be provided in the artist’s packet.

Paint Out Week | June 1 – 5

During the Paint Out week, designated artist space will be filled on a first-come basis. Artists will be allowed to enter the Zoo at 8 a.m. to set up. Please note that not all animals will be on exhibit at 8:30 a.m., but typically all are on exhibit when the Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. each day, depending on any weather and animal care issues.

Artists can stay until the Zoo closes at 5:30 p.m. Animals will begin going off exhibit between 4:30 and 5:30.

Golf carts with drivers will be provided for load-in and load-out each day. All supplies, including easels, must be provided by the artist. Clothesline Sale | June 2 – 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Flamingo Plaza Artists may submit sketch work to be sold in the clothesline sale. Artwork must be priced at no more than $50 per piece. Art Show and Sale | June 12 – 14 Artists are required to submit at least three paintings for the Art Show and Sale, and are allowed to submit up to five (5) pieces. ALL paintings must be created on site during the Paint Out Week and must be delivered to the Zoo dry and ready to hang on Wednesday, June 10, by 3 p.m. Artists are welcome to deliver the paintings earlier in the week but must confirm with event organizers to make sure someone is available to receive the artwork.

Friday, June 12 there will be a kick-off event in the evening for the Art Show and Sale, including a one hour VIP preview for the artists and their guests. The Art Show and Sale will be a free event, and will run daily from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13 – Sunday, June 14.