Giant Spirit Animals Take Over Fernbank’s WildWoods

If you’ve ever wished your spirit animal was part butterfly, part deer, and a little bit of mystery, Fernbank Museum has an exhibit for you. “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles” is bringing a lineup of larger-than-life, color-packed, wildly imaginative creatures straight from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Atlanta’s own WildWoods.

Starting March 29, these towering sculptures—some nearly 8 feet tall—will transform Fernbank’s trails into an outdoor dreamscape of bright colors, intricate patterns, and mythical mashups.

Picture a coyote with a fish’s tail or a rabbit with eagle wings. Every sculpture is inspired by Zapotec traditions, where animals are more than just creatures; they’re spiritual guides, each with a story and a cosmic connection.

The husband-and-wife artist duo, Jacobo and María Ángeles, have made a name for themselves crafting wooden alebrijes—intricately painted folk art animals—by hand in their Oaxaca workshop. But for this exhibit, they’ve gone big. The sculptures were created through a meticulous process of sketching, carving, molding, and painting, resulting in fiberglass creatures that seem to pulse with life.

And here’s the best part—this exhibit isn’t behind glass or tucked away in a gallery. These mystical beings are waiting to be discovered along Fernbank’s wooded paths, blending nature with a bit of magic. Whether you’re into art, folklore, or just want to feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy world for the afternoon, “Spirit Guides” is one to check out.

The exhibit runs through August 3 and is included with general admission, so grab a ticket and take a walk on the wild side. Bonus points if you find your spirit animal among the sculptures.