Radical Observations: Plants as Ecological Collaborators, a University of Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition is now open at the OKC Zoo’s ZooZeum.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden invites guests of all ages to discover and engage with original art celebrating Oklahoma’s native plants and pollinators with the new exhibit, Radical Observations: Plants as Ecological Collaborators, a University of Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition.

The exhibit includes more than 35 original pieces produced within the last year by students and faculty of Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts at the University of Oklahoma. Works in the exhibit are grouped into four categories:

  • Plant Biology: Featuring original sketches and written summaries of the artists’ experiences with native plants and landscapes in Oklahoma
  • Drawing the Natural World: A collection of scientific illustrations of botanical life observed in local natural spaces as well as curated collections and herbariums
  • Expanded Animation: An interactive artwork produced by students inspired by research on carnivorous plants
  • Olfactory Art: A series of clay relief sculptures infused with organic materials that guests are invited to smell, imparting the experience of native botanicals to visitors in an all-new way. 

“We’re very excited to host the creative work of these incredibly talented art students from the University of Oklahoma,” said Dr. Rebecca Snyder, Chief Missions Programs Officer with the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. “This exhibit is another way for us to deliver on the Zoo’s mission to connect our guests with wildlife, which includes native plants, to inspire conservation action. We think this in the kind of engaging exhibit that will appeal to guests of all ages and make a lasting impression.”

“These original works produced by students of OU School of Visual Arts celebrate the extraordinary beauty and diversity of Oklahoma’s botanic life while reflecting the artistic talent of our students,” said Haley Prestifilippo, guest lecturer of drawing with OU School of Visual Arts. “We’re thrilled to partner with the OKC Zoo for their guests to discover and experience these works of art.”  

Radical Observations: Plants as Ecological Collaborators debuted Monday, October 12, 2026 at the Patricia & Byron J. Gambulos ZooZeum, the Zoo’s historical museum located at Sanctuary Asia, and open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.  Access to this exhibit is free with Zoo admission.

Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission can be purchased at the park or online at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, LinkedIn, and by visiting our blog stories.  Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! Members enjoy free admission to the Zoo for 12 months, plus exclusive benefits and discounts while supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts locally and globally. Join ZOOfriends today at www.okczoo.org/membership.