The FSU Department of Art, part of the College of Fine Arts, recently took its talents about 2.5 hours east to the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Students hand-delivered interactive toys they designed for the zoo’s animals as part of their “Interspecies Sculpture Studio” course, projects created for a grade with real-world impact.
The goal of the course was to have students explore the intersection of art and zoology — and how creative work can matter far beyond a gallery, studio or easel.
“Projects like this show how creative thinking and hands-on learning can connect people and institutions in ways that make a real difference. It’s about building bridges — between art and science, students and professionals, and the university and the broader community,” said Rob Duarte, an FSU associate professor and MFA program director who leads the course.
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Students worked closely with the Toys for Animals initiative, a program launched by Handshouse Studio. This Massachusetts-based nonprofit has, since 2010, partnered with universities to deliver enrichment projects for animals in zoos and sanctuaries worldwide. Through that collaboration, FSU students gained hands-on experience in teamwork, creativity and problem-solving — all with real-world implications for animals and the professionals who care for them.
“The creativity behind the design for these items and the quality of the products they were able to produce was far above my expectations. These students being able to come in, bring a fresh set of eyes, the time and the tools to create all of these things is really awesome,” said Danielle Minkus, senior Bird Keeper at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
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