Most People Don’t Know This North Carolina Metal Zoo Even Exists

Greenville, North Carolina's Dickinson Avenue takes locals and visitors right through the middle of the city. And in the last few blocks before Dickinson ends in the beautiful historic district, you'll find a metal zoo in North Carolina.

It's a zoo unlike any other; it's a zoo of artistic delight. And it's perched all along Dickinson Avenue, thanks to the City of Greenville and local artist extraordinaire: Jonathan Stivers Bowling.

Bowling's been a local celebrity in Greenville for years, yet his metal zoo doesn't get nearly enough press throughout the state.

But it can be found all over the country in front of businesses, in the yards of those who love the art, and elsewhere, too.

In North Carolina, for instance, you'll find Bowling's work in The Sculpture Garden in Statesville, the Town of Hillsborough, the Town of Alamance, Edenton, Rocky Mount... the list goes on and on.

But you'll be hard pressed to find it in the herds that cover the green scape along Dickinson Avenue in Greenville.

Bowling earned a Master of Fine Arts from East Carolina University (1999) and his talents keep this busy street alive with stunning creatures that seem locked in time. And they are everywhere you look.

The next time you're even near Greenville, take a detour off the highway and venture over to Dickinson Avenue.

You'll be so glad you did!

Bowling's art gallery can be found at 811 Dickinson Avenue, by the way. Learn more about the artist and his work with a visit to his website, here. The hours for the gallery vary considerably.

Have you ever seen this cool metal zoo in North Carolina? What did you think? Sound off in the comments!