On March 14, we were thrilled to welcome the 2025 Environmental Artist in Residence, Emanuel Zarate Ortiz, to Bernheim. Since his arrival, Emanuel has jumped right into building his sculptures near Lake Nevin. A Mexico City native now based in Chicago, Emanuel is known for his monumental-scale, whimsical, and fantastically painted spirit animal sculptures that celebrate his Mexican heritage. With each piece, he begins with a steel armature, then crafts his vibrant works using materials like wood, cardboard, and repurposed materials, bringing these fantastical creatures to life.
Emanuel strives to reduce waste by using repurposed materials or storm-collected debris to create his sculptures, focusing on animals that are threatened or endangered. He often uses black light paint to elevate his sculptures, making them visible at night for festivals and street celebrations. His artwork has traveled to France and Mexico as well as to arts and cultural festivals throughout the United States.
Emanuel invites visitors to see him at work in the Lakeside Studio. He hopes to create and showcase five large-scale animals during his tenure at Bernheim and plans to display them at different stages of completion during our Earth Day celebration, RESTORE: Healthy Planet, Healthy Us, on April 19. This will offer visitors a chance to see his creative process firsthand. He’s excited to set up his pieces outside the Visitor Center that day and looks forward to meeting the public. We cannot wait to see which of his magical animals will ultimately be given to Bernheim for permanent display. Emanuel will remain with us until May 4.
Emanuel shares his ethos, “May art and culture continue to stand as symbols of resistance for all living beings.”
