Friends of the Zoo Brings the Arts to the Zoo’s Wildlife Trail

SYRACUSE, NY, July 28, 2022 — The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo announces the opening of Arts Stroll, a sensory experience featuring artistic sights and sounds along the zoo’s Wildlife Trail on Saturday, July 30.

Guests touring the zoo will hear the majestic sounds of Symphoria’s orchestral performance of Claude Debussy’s Le Mer emanating from the Wildlife Trail’s wooded hilltop canopy between the Red Wolf and Tiger exhibits. As they stroll along the trail, guests will view the art exhibit Stepping Out of the Frame - a series of artistic renderings of zoo animals created by Syracuse artist Ally Walker.

“We are thrilled to partner with Symphoria, Central New York’s premier orchestra, and Syracuse artist Ally Walker. The coming together of two beautiful artistic expressions will enhance and enrich our guests’ experience while connecting them to nature and the arts,” said Friends of the Zoo Executive Director Carrie Large. “Our vision is to engage and inspire the community, so, we are excited to share this experience with our guests as they traverse our trails and learn about the importance of conservation and saving species.”

Formed in late 2012, Symphoria is one of only two nonprofit, musician-led cooperative orchestras in the United States and is composed of a diverse group of talented musicians hailing from across the globe.

"Symphoria is honored to be a part of this project. Our partnership with the zoo arose out of a common desire to bring joy to our community. Music is integral to our lives, and the opportunity to share music while guests seek a moment of rest and inspiration at the zoo is the perfect opportunity to make the beauty of great music accessible to everyone!" said Symphoria Executive Director Pamela Murchison.

A Syracuse native and prolific artist, Walker has numerous interactive art installations throughout Syracuse, from an 18-panel wall mural at Mill Pond Landing in Armory Square to a series of 100 murals at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Her most recent project, Stepping Out of the Frame, is a six-piece exhibit that connects animals with art. The animals are depicted on large-scale boards emerging from the frame as they come to life.

“Each piece showcases a different animal stepping out of the paintings and into their habitat, creating a connection to the real-life animals at the zoo,” said Walker.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a proud supporter of local artists and musicians, and we invite the entire Syracuse community and beyond to come experience the sounds of nature blended with the harmony of music and art,” said Large. “These beautiful paintings will be up for bid at the end of the exhibit – so, watch for updates on the zoo’s social media.”

The Arts Strolls at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free with zoo admission. For more information about the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, please visit rosamondgiffordzoo.org.