TNT Diner - Ivan the Gorilla's artwork on display in Atlanta restaurant

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Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Ivan the Gorilla's artwork on display in Atlanta restaurant

Posted by Ed Murrieta @ 03:07:24 pm

An abstract painting by Ivan the Gorilla.

The artwork of former Lakewood resident Ivan the Gorilla – he spent 31 years of his life at the B&I shopping center on South Tacoma Way before moving to Atlanta in 1994 -- is on display and up for auction at an Atlanta restaurant.

Diners at Stella Neighborhood Trattoria can purchase $2 raffle tickets for a chance to win abstract paintings by Ivan and his fellow Zoo Atlanta gorilla Willie B. Jr.

All proceeds will be donated to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitat in Africa.

Ivan paints with a brush and his tongue. His palette runs toward bright colors. He finishes each original with his signature fingerprint.

Five paintings by Ivan and Willie B. Jr. will be on display for six months.

The artist, in contemplation.

Categories: Cool Things • 6 comments

COMMENTS:

Comment by pegsterdtown @ 17:04 - Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Would like to know how I could purchase one of his works of art.

Comment by Olemag @ 17:12 - Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Oh God,you bring back memories of my concession and the Irwins. They were very nice people. The son, Ron,was a schmuck!.Mrs. Irwin was a lady. IN the 70's. So many nice and honest folks trying to make a living.We just happened to hit hard times.

Comment by tiggerme @ 08:38 - Friday, May 30th, 2008

I treasure my original Ivan! My daughter used to volunteer with one of his keepers when he was at the B&I and she was able to get one for me for free as a birthday gift; before the idea caught on to sell them! I hope Atlanta treasures him as much as we did here...we used to watch him for hours, and when we could touch his hand or head; well, what a treat!

Comment by asbrand72 @ 12:33 - Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Oh the memories!!! my mom used to take us down there and we would watch him for hours!! His favorite thing to do was run up to the glass and scare the kids (US!!) lol I miss him. I wish I could take MY daughter to see him now...awww...lol

Comment by YoungestNaccarato @ 11:25 - Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

Good ol' Ivan!

Comment by aconcernedreader @ 07:45 - Monday, June 9th, 2008

Boy, that does bring back memories. I always felt sorry for him in that small cement cage at the B&I. I didn't realize he was still alive and well and living in Atlanta!?

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