Art for Animals*

From painting to papermaking, fiber arts to flower pressing, jewelry to journaling, and storytelling to sun printing… there are endless opportunities to explore the artistic world and the wildlife that inspires it. Projects prioritize sustainability whenever possible. All materials provided unless otherwise specified. No experience necessary; all skill levels welcome.

Muse: (Baby) Animal Patterns

Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1-4 p.m.
Art Media: stamping block, ink, & pastels
Celebrate opening weekend of Farm Babies at the Zoo by exploring patterns on fur, scales, and skin of baby animals and their adult counterparts. Hear stories about some of the animals born at the Minnesota Zoo and meeta ‘Zooborn’ up close at the farm to gain inspiration for your class creation. Using custom stencils or your own designs, carve an image highlighting an animal’s patterns and textures to make a mixed media print with ink and pastel crayons.
Materials fee: $15 per participant
Teaching Artist: Samantha Gonzalez Longley | Art Educator at Silverwood Park & Owner of Samantha Longley Clay

Muse: Ocean Animals

Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6-9 p.m.
Art Medium: watercolor
Create expressive watercolor animal portraits inspired by marine life at the Zoo! Explore how to capture color, texture, and personality in watercolor while watching and learning about some of the amazing aquatic animals who call the Zoo home. Enjoy Discovery Bay without the crowds and leave with a finished watercolor piece. Beginner and advanced painters welcome; ocean animal stencils available if desired.
Materials fee: $5 per participant
Teaching Artist: Chelsea Novotny | Artist & Educator specializing in watercolor and nature-inspired art