INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – McKee Botanical Garden will host It’s A Jungle Out There! from Nov. 4 through April 29. This exhibition features 24 beautiful African sculptures handcrafted specifically for McKee by Wildlife Garden Creations and will be on display throughout the lush tropical surroundings of the Garden in 17 different locations.
The collection stems from a passion for Africa, its people and wildlife, and includes a 14- and 16-foot tall giraffe, an 8-foot tall male and 6-foot tall female adult elephant and two 2 ½ feet tall baby elephants, a full-sized hippopotamus and rhinoceros, two 5 ½ feet tall gorillas, as well as a life-sized lion and lioness, a zebra, two large and two small crocodiles, a pair owls, pair of cranes, pair of peacocks and an eagle.
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Wildlife Garden Creations recruits artists from disadvantaged, impoverished backgrounds, providing them with employment and apprenticeships to empower them to be self-sustaining, productive members of their communities. The artisans, members of the Ark Collective, range in age from 22 to 42 years old.
As paid apprentices, these young artists are taught valuable skills such as design, metal cutting, welding, painting and molding. Most of the artists come from the Luo community and are known for their metal works, while a few are from the Kamba community known for their carving skills.
Artists: Joseph Kasyoki, Paul Lema, George Matinde, Jonathan Musyoka, Collins Ochieng, Joseph Ochieng, Kennedy Ochieng, Moses Ochieng,Joseph Odhiambo, Steph Oduor, Joseph Okan, William Onyango, Caleb Onyango, Dennis Omondi, William Omondi, Julius Omondi, Frederick Otieno, Vinvent Otieno and Erick Otieno.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday Noon – 5 p.m., closed Monday. Last admission ticket is sold at 4 p.m.
Admission: $12 Adults, $11 Seniors, $8 Children ages 3-12.; McKee Members and children under 3 free.
