Wednesday, February 29, 2012

GO APE FOR ART AND HELP SAVE ENDANGERED SPECIES Texas Artists Collaborate with Houston Zoo Animals for Unique Show and Sale “Pongos Helping Pongos” Saturday March 10, 2012 G Gallery in the Heights


GO APE FOR ART AND HELP SAVE ENDANGERED SPECIES
Texas Artists Collaborate with Houston Zoo Animals for Unique Show and Sale
“Pongos Helping Pongos” Saturday March 10, 2012
G Gallery in the Heights

Solaris painted himself as much as he painted his canvas but Marie found his exuberance somewhat charming.  Glenn was surprised that Rama’s ‘sharp’ personality didn’t intrude on the creative process.  Rudi, as always took forever to choose his colors but Brad was forever patient.
            Rudi and Solaris are orangutans.  Rama is a clouded leopard.  Marie, Glenn and Brad are three of the 6 human artists who have collaborated with Houston Zoo animals to produce unique works of art for a very special event.
            On Saturday, March 10 join the Houston Zoo for the fifth Pongos Helping Pongos Art Event from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at G Gallery in the Heights at 301 E. 11th Street benefiting orangutan and elephant conservation.
            This unique art exhibition, silent auction, and wine and cheese reception will feature 39 individual paintings and other works of art created by the Houston Zoo’s orangutans, elephants, siamangs, babirusa, and clouded leopards and collaborative pieces produced by Zoo animals and their human artist partners.
            The paintings, photographic portraits and other works of art, including wind chimes made from spoons bent by Houston Zoo orangutans, will be displayed at G Gallery for a single night in a fine arts setting.  All items will be sold by silent auction with all proceeds benefiting orangutan and elephant conservation projects in Malaysia and Indonesia.
            Pongos Helping Pongos is generously supported by G Gallery, YolArt Fine Arts, Waste Management, Elegant Beginnings, Inc. and by the Pongos Helping Pongos 2012 collaborative artists:

Marie Valdez               Este Delaquis              Patricia Hernandez
Brad Moody                Cindy Ward                 Glenn Ruthven

About Pongos Helping Pongos

            Pongo is the scientific name for orangutans.  So, the name Pongos Helping Pongos translates to Orangutans Helping Orangutans.  Since 2004, the Houston Zoo, assisted by generous Pongos Helping Pongos donors have raised critically needed funds for the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project and Elephant Conservation Program in Sukau, Sabah, Malaysia, and for field conservation efforts at Indonesia’s Gunung Palung National Park.  A portion of Pongos Helping Pongos proceeds are also applied to orangutan behavioral enrichment activities at the Houston Zoo.  The Houston Zoo is proud to partner with the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Program, supporting research, education, and awareness programs for orangutans, elephants, and habitat protection in the region.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.9 million guests annually.  Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.  Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes.  Travel to Africa.  No Passport Required.
The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in beautiful Hermann Park.  The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.).  The Zoo is closed Christmas Day.  Regular admission is $13 for adults, $7 for seniors, $9 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2.  Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $11 and a child Zoo admission for $8.  Zoo memberships start at only $59.  For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org
Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot.  With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor.  For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org.
Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.
The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information visitwww.aza.org.


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