Who doesn’t love animals? We have brought you animals from all over the world and in all types of materials. Africa has all the big ones that we learned about as a child and as we grew up, we possibly collected certain kinds of animals. I am partial to giraffes, my father loved turtles, and my brother loves elephants. We have found a wide array of animals.

The most rewarding relationship I have made in owning the gallery and finding international artists to add to the family of artists has been with MonkeyBiz in Cape Town, South Africa. The MonkeyBiz organization was found in the mid 90’s by two women from New York, Shirley Fintz and Barbara Jackson, both ceramists. They joined forces with Mathapelo Ngako from South Africa to create a non-profit organization based on helping women gain economic independence. MonkeyBiz supplies richly colored glass beads to women in the townships of Cape Town. The 450 women involved in the project are currently producing exquisite hand beaded artworks - each a unique one-of-a-kind creation. The women are paid for each piece they produce; and since they work from home, can look after their families and avoid transport costs. The beaded works are creating a sensation wherever they appear, both locally and abroad. Historically, bead work, in a South African context, has been the domain of women largely within the Xhosa, Zulu, and Ndebele and Sotho communities. The women are introduced to the craft directly through their mothers, grandmothers and other women in the community. It is a great tribute to the founders of MonkeyBiz that this art form has flourished.

We also offer other animals from South Africa made in wire and bead. This community of artists was interpreted from street artists who created the form from Zimbabwe artisans. In an effort to provide better working conditions and health programs, the collective of street artists was formed. There is a formal creative design team and a studio of artisans who make the designed creations. The frame of the animals is steel wire in various gauges and the beads are strung in different patterns to create the animals. Wonderful whimsical art for all ages.

The wood animals are from Ivory Coast that is where many of the Senegalese have migrated. The Senegalese are reputed to be the best carvers in Africa and their ebony woods with fascinating blond patches make the most unique animals.

You may also see animals in the Children’s Corner category of the gallery.