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res.com">Face of Africa Adventures </a>in Arusha, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Author</figcaption></figure><p id="7f51">Because the information center at the zoo already had other things for people to look at, I figured that if we took the silhouette approach there as well, then the paintings wouldn’t take too much attention away from the displays. But would also act as a way for people to identify animals and would give the room some color and life.</p><p id="b9d7">The following day I messaged Philip and told him that I had a good idea for painting the room and that we would like to share it with him.</p><p id="34a2">He was immediately excited, and instead of us just talking to him, he got a few of the different managers of varying departments, including the manager of the education and information department, together, so we could present the idea to all of them.</p><figure id="cf94"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*IlfaIONCydKwMMPV7QKymg.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="1d59"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*4Khz8pHoZdP_xi90KkgC7g.jpeg"><figcaption>Before and after pictures of the entrance and exit of the room. This end represents the high hills and mountain ecosystems of the country. Photo Credits: Author</figcaption></figure><p id="b6bd">I showed them the mural we had just done and explained to them what we were thinking. We could represent all of the ecosystems of Uganda, starting with the snowy mountain peaks at the doorway, and filtering it all down into Lake Victoria at the far end of the room.</p><p id="70e8">The concept of “Window to Uganda” was discussed, and we expanded on that idea. Right away they were keen, but, of course, the manager of the education and information department wanted to know what the costs would be.</p><p id="0c4c">Philip explained that we were volunteering our time in exchange for accommodation, and would just need supplies. The manager said, “Will it be less than 1 million shillings (approx. $300USD)?”</p><p id="ddd3"><b>“Oh much less than that,” I said. “More like 500 thousand.”</b></p><p id="73a8">He agreed to that amount, and we had a deal! In the end, I think we only spent about 350 thousand, roughly$ 100 USD.</p><figure id="449f"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*GRpMOqoVVtvfvhwMPO3-sw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="01f8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*TGeWPDLNgBJLuPHhBm_4KA.jpeg"><figcaption>Before and After shots of the left hand wall. This wall represents the Eastern side of the country including Kidepo National Park, Sipi Falls and The Nile River. Photo Credit: Author</figcaption></figure><p id="e3a9"><b>Because we were volunteering, and we only asked for accommodation and lunch in return, it was an easy approval, and we got started straight away.</b></p><p id="a9d0">Right away we asked for input from the management. We wanted a list of animals that needed to be represented in each area, and we went around with chalk and wrote the names directly on the wall. We wanted to make sure that we didn’t miss anything, or misrepresent things.</p><figure id="9d2a"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*u1ofGC0sVInnt6sVFMhFrA.jpeg"><figcaption>Writing names of animals in each region that they belonged. We also did this with specific plant species. Photo Credit: Author</figcaption></figure><p id="fbcd">As time went on, more animals were added to the list. And of course, there are still more that could have gone in. Uganda has an incredibly diverse environment!</p><p id="46c7" type="7">It is called “The Pearl Of Africa” for a very good reason!</p><figure id="48f8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*p0hyK8zk00dUp39UwgqvyQ.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="b1e8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*Tnm97Sco-ATvkhaKrzFl8g.jpeg"><figcaption>Before and after of the left-hand wall. This wall represents the Western side of Uganda, starting with the hills of Bwindi where the gorillas are, down to the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Photo Credits: Author</figcaption></figure><figure id="bd2d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:

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800/1*BdmoXq-aieTV0YOnhdOomA.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="5f8e"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*XKrrymxWl1ZVRzJ2_EAr5w.jpeg"><figcaption>The snow capped peaks (YES there is snow in Uganda!) of Rwenzori National Park was the high point that started at the door. Photo Credits: Author</figcaption></figure><p id="920c">To date, this is the largest single mural project that we have completed, and it was certainly one of the most fun! The reward that we got from this was the myriad of people who came through the doors, oooohing, and aaaahing about all the different things that they would find in our paintings.</p><p id="fde3">Putting smiles on people's faces, and bringing joy to spaces, is more than enough of a reward for us. PLUS, we got to live in a ZOO for 3 weeks! The experiences we had there will always be with us, and money will certainly never be able to replace those!</p><div id="8714" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/dont-pinch-me-i-don-t-want-to-wake-up-18a848aee8e1"> <div> <div> <h2>Don’t Pinch Me, I Don’t Want To Wake Up!</h2> <div><h3>My week in photos — Week 3 — March 31-April 6, 2022</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*kzuVeqmj6LUEcaEZkq6lTA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><figure id="33d8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*lA1w8QHpXKqeHrg7WTGOuA.png"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="f464"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*x6Z5VEkfRN7jqrdgEiCJWg.png"><figcaption>Mural detail compilations were created on Canva by Author.</figcaption></figure><p id="99cb">We are so proud to have left a lasting legacy at a facility that will be educating Ugandans, and others, about the wild spaces of the country. This facility sees countless school groups, and you can bet that the kids will love this room! We are honored to be a part of encouraging anti-poaching, and all sustainability programs that this facility aims to educate the public on.</p><p id="921b" type="7">This was a dream project for us both, and couldn’t fall in line with our personal values any better.</p><p id="4d56"><b>A huge thank you to Philip for his trust in our abilities, and to the management of the zoo for allowing us to bring our vision to life! We had such a wonderful time staying there, and we are so proud of all of your efforts that are being made to protect the animals and wild spaces of your country.</b></p><p id="f87d">We can’t wait to collaborate on more projects in the future and nourish this partnership that we have created!</p><p id="5970" type="7">And to you, dear reader, if you are heading to Uganda, the Entebbe Zoo is almost a stones throw from the only international airport in the country, so you better make this your first stop to learn all about the animals and ecosystems in Uganda.</p><p id="7fac" type="7">This facility is top notch, and not to be missed!</p><figure id="3153"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*FPhxaPRp8QVe_lys05LS_g.png"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p id="fec3"><i>Hi there, we are 2 Canadians, Jill and Chris from Artistic Voyages. We have been nomadic since 2017 living in numerous different countries, and experiencing the life and diversity of our planet on the ground and firsthand. We have now been on the African continent for over 2 years! Join our adventure by hitting the links below! <b>Subscribe to <a href="https://artisticvoyages.medium.com/membership">Medium</a> to get full access to my writing plus thousands of others!</b></i></p><p id="497e"><a href="http://www.artisticvoyages.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/artisticvoyages">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/artisticvoyages">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/artisticvoyages">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.patreon.com/artisticvoyages">Patreon</a>|<a href="http://www.youtube.com/c/artisticvoyages"> YouTube</a> | <a href="https://artisticvoyages.medium.com/">Medium</a></p></article></body>

ART | MURAL | ANIMALS | CONSERVATION | UGANDA | AFRICA

Painting the Window To Uganda

Our biggest mural project to date is now complete!

The paintings in this room encompass the ecosystems of Uganda and many plants, insects, birds and other wildlife. This was a dream project! Photo Credit: Author

We have just completed our biggest mural project yet, and we could not be more excited about it!

We were stationed at UWEC — Ugandan Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Uganda, otherwise known as the Entebbe Zoo, for three weeks. (For future reading reference, it is April 2022.)

We went there initially because the zoo outreach officer, Philip, wanted to talk to us about a potential future collaboration where we will hopefully be painting murals in schools around the country, in order to educate kids about animal conservation.

As he showed us around the zoo property, we came into a room that looked very drab.

We Paint Murals In Exchange For Accommodation

We believe that our creativity is a gift to share.

artisticvoyages.medium.com

Before and after pictures of the back wall of the room. This wall depicts the wetlands leading into Lake Victoria. Photo Credits: Author

As soon as we walked in, the starkness gave me shivers. He mentioned that it was a room that they were working on because they wanted it to be a showcase of the zoo and the main education center.

He didn’t mention anything about us painting it, but I knew that we needed to.

The building is round, and in the middle of the room is a large glass case with animal bones and some taxidermy work. Around the perimeter were sparsely placed display cases, with more skeletons and taxidermy inside them.

This building is located right at the entrance to the zoo, so most people who walk by, feel compelled to stop in.

I knew that it had the potential to be a room that would have a big impact on the zoo patrons.

As the zoo had provided us with accommodation, we were in no rush to have to leave so it gave us the time to think about what we could do in that room.

After just a day or so, I came up with an idea.

We Are Living In a Zoo!

My Week In Photographs — A weekly challenge by Dennett

medium.com

We had just been in Arusha, Tanzania, and while there we painted a silhouette style feature in a safari company's head office. The design below was based on their company logo.

The headquarters for Face of Africa Adventures in Arusha, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Author

Because the information center at the zoo already had other things for people to look at, I figured that if we took the silhouette approach there as well, then the paintings wouldn’t take too much attention away from the displays. But would also act as a way for people to identify animals and would give the room some color and life.

The following day I messaged Philip and told him that I had a good idea for painting the room and that we would like to share it with him.

He was immediately excited, and instead of us just talking to him, he got a few of the different managers of varying departments, including the manager of the education and information department, together, so we could present the idea to all of them.

Before and after pictures of the entrance and exit of the room. This end represents the high hills and mountain ecosystems of the country. Photo Credits: Author

I showed them the mural we had just done and explained to them what we were thinking. We could represent all of the ecosystems of Uganda, starting with the snowy mountain peaks at the doorway, and filtering it all down into Lake Victoria at the far end of the room.

The concept of “Window to Uganda” was discussed, and we expanded on that idea. Right away they were keen, but, of course, the manager of the education and information department wanted to know what the costs would be.

Philip explained that we were volunteering our time in exchange for accommodation, and would just need supplies. The manager said, “Will it be less than 1 million shillings (approx. $300USD)?”

“Oh much less than that,” I said. “More like 500 thousand.”

He agreed to that amount, and we had a deal! In the end, I think we only spent about 350 thousand, roughly $100 USD.

Before and After shots of the left hand wall. This wall represents the Eastern side of the country including Kidepo National Park, Sipi Falls and The Nile River. Photo Credit: Author

Because we were volunteering, and we only asked for accommodation and lunch in return, it was an easy approval, and we got started straight away.

Right away we asked for input from the management. We wanted a list of animals that needed to be represented in each area, and we went around with chalk and wrote the names directly on the wall. We wanted to make sure that we didn’t miss anything, or misrepresent things.

Writing names of animals in each region that they belonged. We also did this with specific plant species. Photo Credit: Author

As time went on, more animals were added to the list. And of course, there are still more that could have gone in. Uganda has an incredibly diverse environment!

It is called “The Pearl Of Africa” for a very good reason!

Before and after of the left-hand wall. This wall represents the Western side of Uganda, starting with the hills of Bwindi where the gorillas are, down to the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Photo Credits: Author

The snow capped peaks (YES there is snow in Uganda!) of Rwenzori National Park was the high point that started at the door. Photo Credits: Author

To date, this is the largest single mural project that we have completed, and it was certainly one of the most fun! The reward that we got from this was the myriad of people who came through the doors, oooohing, and aaaahing about all the different things that they would find in our paintings.

Putting smiles on people's faces, and bringing joy to spaces, is more than enough of a reward for us. PLUS, we got to live in a ZOO for 3 weeks! The experiences we had there will always be with us, and money will certainly never be able to replace those!

Don’t Pinch Me, I Don’t Want To Wake Up!

My week in photos — Week 3 — March 31-April 6, 2022

medium.com

Mural detail compilations were created on Canva by Author.

We are so proud to have left a lasting legacy at a facility that will be educating Ugandans, and others, about the wild spaces of the country. This facility sees countless school groups, and you can bet that the kids will love this room! We are honored to be a part of encouraging anti-poaching, and all sustainability programs that this facility aims to educate the public on.

This was a dream project for us both, and couldn’t fall in line with our personal values any better.

A huge thank you to Philip for his trust in our abilities, and to the management of the zoo for allowing us to bring our vision to life! We had such a wonderful time staying there, and we are so proud of all of your efforts that are being made to protect the animals and wild spaces of your country.

We can’t wait to collaborate on more projects in the future and nourish this partnership that we have created!

And to you, dear reader, if you are heading to Uganda, the Entebbe Zoo is almost a stones throw from the only international airport in the country, so you better make this your first stop to learn all about the animals and ecosystems in Uganda.

This facility is top notch, and not to be missed!

Hi there, we are 2 Canadians, Jill and Chris from Artistic Voyages. We have been nomadic since 2017 living in numerous different countries, and experiencing the life and diversity of our planet on the ground and firsthand. We have now been on the African continent for over 2 years! Join our adventure by hitting the links below! Subscribe to Medium to get full access to my writing plus thousands of others!