Local human, animal artists to showcase work at Topeka Zoo benefit fair

Washburn Review

Friends of the Topeka Zoo is hosting an arts and crafts fair Sunday, Nov. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Big Gage Shelter House.

The event will feature more than 20 local and regional crafters and artisans displaying an array of crafts, jewelry, handbags, insect art, and cypress knee Santas, as well as artwork, photography and crafted glass.

“We are very excited about this event,” said Karen Taylor, coordinator for the show and member of the Friends of the Topeka Zoo Board of Directors. “It offers us an opportunity to collaborate with a number of artisans while at the same time showcasing some unique arts and gifts available right here at your Topeka Zoo. If you are looking for a unique gift for a special someone in your life, you will find it here.”

Not all of the artwork that will be featured at the event was made by human hand, either. The zoo will feature original paintings by Tembo and Sunda, the zoo’s elephants, as well as artwork by Tucker, the zoo’s Nile Hippo. In addition, guests will be able to see rare elephant dung artwork.

In addition, the Topeka Hallmark Plant has created special “HOPE” holiday greeting cards, with all of the proceeds benefiting the zoo. The cards will be available for purchase at the fair and throughout the holiday season at the Leopard Spot Gift Shop inside the zoo.

Admission and parking at the event is free, and those in attendance will receive a two for one admission coupon to the Topeka Zoo.