Gorillas taking over Houston: Local Artists Covering Houston with Great Ape Murals

HOUSTON -- Starting Monday, Feb. 2, five of Houston’s most talented artists are taking to the street to cover local walls with artwork inspired by the new gorillas coming to the Houston Zoo, opening Memorial Day weekend.

In partnership with local business owners, the five artists will take over the sides of buildings with their distinct artistic vision and style. The zoo has commissioned the artists to celebrate Houston’s newest residents, seven western lowland gorillas, arriving soon. Over the course of a week, each artist will start and finish their works of art. The murals will adorn the walls for at least of six months.

Gorillas of the African Forest will open at the Houston Zoo on Memorial Day weekend. The intricately designed space will hold two groups of western lowland gorillas who will spend their days alternating between an outdoor habitat filled with lush landscape that mimics an African forest and a multi-tiered night house that includes private bedrooms, an artistic 23-foot-tall climbing tree, and a behind-the-scenes outdoor yard.

Media, art lovers and animal enthusiasts are encouraged to follow along as the murals take shape.

Artists, location, and start dates include:

Monday, Feb.2 – Thursday, Feb. 5

Mr. D

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2119 Washington Ave.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 – Saturday, Feb.7

ANAT Ronen

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Richards Antiques 3701 Main St

Wednesday, Feb. 4 – Wednesday, Feb. 11

Michael Rodriguez

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Buffalo Exchange 2439 Bissonnet St

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Monday, Feb. 9

Nicky Davis

Noon

Location TBD

Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Thursday, Feb. 12

GONZO247

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Downtown Food Park 1311 Leeland (Corner of Leeland & Austin Streets)