Hunt Slonem Paints a Donkey

Slonem's Works at the Dallas Arboretum

Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is best known for his paintings of birds, bunnies and butterflies. He recently expanded his oeuvre to include a donkey.

 

The work was commissioned by Ron King, co-founder of Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary in California, that rescues donkeys.  Oscar's Place is the subject of  Donkey King, an ABC docuseries about the heartwarming rescue of donkeys and the people who care for them.

 

 

Slonem's painting was inspired by Viejo, King’s personal companion donkey. Click here to see Viejo and Hunt Slonem's portrait of Viejo.

 

"I incorporate animals in my work as a way of connecting with the natural world.” Slonem said, “I'd never painted a donkey before. It was a challenge. I've always loved them, and this was my first attempt.”

 

The painting will be auctioned during Oscar's Place's live telethon on Saturday, June 27, broadcast from the sanctuary's barn in Hopland, California. 100% of proceeds from the sale will go directly to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of donkeys at Oscar's Place.

 

 

A monumental, 66-acre display of Slonem’s works is currently on view at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The exhibition features 37 installations and over 100 works presented throughout the garden, along with a curated gallery of works inside the Historic Camp House. The Gardens invites visitors to experience Slonem’s works, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6-9 p.m. 

 

 

Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies will be on view at the Dallas Arboretum through September 30, 2026.

 

 

References:

Renowned Neo-Expressionist Hunt Slonem Paints His First Donkey -- A One-of-a-Kind Commission for Oscar's Place. PR Newswire. June 1, 2026.

Editor. Dallas Arboretum Transforms into an Open-Air Gallery with Blockbuster Hunt Slonem Exhibition. Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies. The Gilmer Mirror. March 24, 2026.

Kimberly Richard. Hop into Hunt Slonem's work at the Dallas Arboretum. NBC/DFW. May 9, 2026.

 

 

Please contact us if you would like more information about the work of Hunt Slonem available at Surovek Gallery.

July 22, 2026
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