Original Artworks by CCS Students to be Auctioned Off June 19

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 17, 2009 – Artists from student organizations at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit have created “wild” life-size papier-mâché animals representing some of the Detroit Zoo’s newest arrivals.  The original artworks will be among the items up for bid in the silent auction at the Detroit Zoological Society’s annual fundraiser, Sunset at the Zoo, on Friday, June 19.

The animals were created as centerpiece designs for Friday’s party by the Detroit Artist Collective (DAC) and the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and donated to the Detroit Zoological Society.  They include a Matschie’s tree kangaroo, lesser kudu, Chilean flamingo, warthog, black-and-white ruffed lemur, scarlet ibis, Polish crested chicken, African pancake tortoise and green tree python. 

Sunset at the Zoo, themed “Celebrating Our New Arrivals”, kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday.  The year’s wildest party features a strolling supper, zoo-themed martinis, live entertainment, dancing, and live and silent auctions.  Tickets start at $150 and can be ordered by phone at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750 or online at www.detroitzoo.org.

The DAC participates in art workshops, murals, cite-specific works and other endeavors that add color and creativity to the City of Detroit.  The NAEA strives to improve art education programs in schools by pursuing a policy of education, communication and empowerment.  Located in midtown Detroit's Cultural Center, the  CCS is a private, fully accredited college enrolling over 1,300 students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in art and design. 

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9 a.m. May 1 through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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