The Horns and Heroes Project will celebrate World Rhino Day with an art show and auction at Sip in downtown Orlando, featuring live music and original work from more than three dozen local artists.
The participating painters, tattoo artists, sculptors, graffiti artists, illustrators, photographers and special-effects artists have embellished oversized sculptural representations of a rhino horn, each in their own unique style. These sculptures will be on display for one night only, and visitors can bid during the silent or live auctions.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the International Rhino Foundation, which operates programs in Asia and Africa to protect threatened rhino populations and funds research on captive rhinos to improve the long-term survival of the planet’s rhino species.
“By supporting the International Rhino Foundation, The Horns and Heroes Project will help fund programs that help supply the courageous and dedicated rangers who risk their lives everyday to stop poaching and give rhinos a chance at survival,” said organizer Chad Harmon. “We’re displaying work from some outstanding, creative people, and we hope their art will help start a conversation about how we can help protect these species.”
A rhino keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom who is a visual artist in his spare time, Harmon said he is organizing the art show and auction as a way to help protect a species he loves while also bringing together the local art community.
Harmon made each of the 40 horns by hand using a process known as rotational casting. The pieces are made of foam-filled resin and stand 16 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
The Horns and Heroes event begins at 8 p.m. at Sip, located at 724 Virginia Drive, Orlando.
