Students join jumbo art event

Students and graduates from RMIT University are lending their support to Melbourne Zoo's 150th birthday celebrations this month.

They are participating in the decoration of life-sized baby elephant sculptures being placed around Melbourne's city streets.

The elephant sculptures are based on Melbourne Zoo's most famous Asian elephant calf, Mali, now two years old.

Each sculpture has been designed and decorated by artists from throughout the community, with RMIT offering the work of five students and graduates.

Fifty corporate sponsors have funded the event, called the Mali in the City exhibition, as a means of bringing the Zoo's birthday celebrations into the life of the city.

One of the RMIT student artists, Zara McKenzie, who is studying for a Diploma of Visual Art, has produced a Mali design sponsored by Melbourne Marriott Hotel and based on the theme of "harmony".

Ms McKenzie's sculpture will be in display at the Marriott until 21 September.

Other RMIT students and graduates have produced designs sponsored by Sanitarium foods (Victor Holder, Master of Arts (Art in Public Space), Irene Irvine & Associates (Chantelle Ferri, Master of Fine Art), Buller Ski Lifts (Patrick Minahan, Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design), and Lite 'n Easy (Ralf Kempken, Diploma of Visual Arts).

"We're very pleased that Zara and other students and graduates are taking part in this worthwhile event," Belinda Wilson, Program Manager, TAFE, of the School of Art, said.

"It provides a valuable outlet for some of our very creative students and graduates, and helps pay tribute to the valuable conservation and education work of Zoos Victoria in their important anniversary year."

The RMIT student works and other works produced by Victorian artists will be on display for six weeks at various city locations, along what the Zoo describes as "the Mali Trail". A map showing the trail can be found at:

At the end of the Zoo's 150th birthday month in October, all 50 sculptures will be auctioned, with proceeds going to the work of Zoos Victoria in helping protect endangered species.

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