As part of the Green Ribbon Commission’s Action Pact 2022 initiative, we commissioned artist Felipe Ortiz to create a street mural at the entrance to the Franklin Park Zoo. With rapid changes in biodiversity and our natural environment in mind, Felipe created a brilliant multi-layered drawing depicting a pair of endangered piping plovers. The artist first laid down a detailed drawing of the birds’ skeletons and then created a second, more ephemeral layer to define the body and feathers of the animals . As rain and wind weathered the piece, the top layer faded, revealing the skeletons of this endangered species. Visitors were mesmerized by his process and the powerful final result.

For more information about Felipe and his work, visit his website felipeortiz.com

Video by Bob Packert

Video by Bob Packert

Video by Bob Packert