I was called upon to donate to the North Carolina Zoo’s annual benefit auction, Zoo-to-do 2010. The theme for the year wasn’t an animal like it usually was – it was Fall Ex-zoo-berance. It focused on the colors and beauty of North Carolina autumn. The auction is helping to raise funds for the zoo and open up woodsy walking trails on their many more acres of land. I couldn’t just paint a fall scene though. I love the colors, but I’d rather focus on an animal! I did both, by choosing the adorable local wildlife of the river otter and using reference from the woods at my own backdoor. “The Journey” 18x24” acrylic on canvas. © Cara Bevan 2010