Chestnut Hill's gone AbZOOlutely crazy for art

By Michelle Talisesky
Collegian Staff
November 8, 2006

Have you noticed the strange-looking animals lining Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill? Did you see the enormous oddly colored elephant taking over the sidewalk? These strange-looking animal sculptures have been in Chestnut Hill since September and have sparked the curiosity of many. The animals are part of AbZOOlutely Chestnut Hill, which is a free art exhibit that allows one to see colorful animals while viewing art at the same time.

The 50 AbZOOlutely animals were revealed Sept. 16 at noon to the sounds of sirens, horns and bells. The assortment of artistic vision for these animals is remarkable, and they will be on display on the streets of Chestnut Hill until the beginning of November. The project will be capped off with a gala event Nov. 18, when the animals will be auctioned off to raise money for the community.

Local artists, community businesses, social groups and civic organizations are responsible for the showcase of the 50 colorfully painted animals located on Germantown Avenue, as well as some side streets. The zoo-like presentation of different animal forms in one art project is a first in the United States.

Cowpainters, LLC of Chicago, Ill., supplied the sculptures of the animals which were formed from white fiberglass. Philadelphia-area artists were commissioned to decorate their own AbZOOlutely version of the animals.

The Chestnut Hill District sponsored AbZOOlutely Chestnut Hill in order to raise money for three different charities. The auction of the zoo animals is the main fundraiser. The profits from the raffle, auction and sales of AbZOOlutely merchandise will be divided between the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, the Philadelphia Zoo and projects for the beautification and preservation of the District.

taliseskym1@lasalle.edu