As 2025 neared, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center commissioned me to create artwork that would tell the story of the WNC Nature Center’s hundred years of animal history. 

From left to right, the animals range from exotic to those who lived or have lived in the Southern Appalachians:
– Asian elephant Betsy from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s;
– African lion Leo from the 1960s;
– American black bear Boo from the 1980s;
– American Red Wolf from the 1990s;
– Red Panda Phoenix, who came to the Nature Center in 2019;
– and above, a butterfly, representing the 2025 addition of a native butterfly pollinator garden.

For the month of July, my artwork will be displayed on a billboard on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville!

You can also purchase these illustrations on coffee mugs, t shirts, stickers and more in the Nature Center Gift Shop!

Since it opened as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925, the WNC Nature Center has undergone its own metamorphosis, evolving from a collection of exotic animals – including elephants, lions, monkeys, zebras, and camels – to animals native to the Southern Appalachians from the past to the present. From species like the river otter and hellbender to red wolves and red pandas, the WNC Nature Center has told the story of the unique biodiversity of the Appalachian region for decades.

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center was created in 1975 to support the transformation of the Recreation Park Zoo into what is now known as the WNC Nature Center. The wildlife park was re-visioned with a renewed focus as an education facility committed to native wildlife of the Southern Appalachians. Its grand opening occurred in May 1977.

Since that time, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center and the WNC Nature Center have worked hand in hand to support the animals, education programs, and conservation initiatives of the Nature Center. 

Be sure to check out their website at www.wildwnc.org for tickets, events, donating and so much more!