Michael Jackson's chimp Bubbles is now an artist

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Give a chimp a typewriter and infinite time and it will eventually produce the works of Shakespeare, or so the theory goes

But it seems if you give a chimp a paintbrush it takes barely any time at all to become an artist.

Or at least that's the theory behind a new exhibition called Apes That Paint which will be hosted at a framing store in Florida next month.

Among the celebrity animals exhibiting their masterpieces at the show is Bubbles, the chimp who once went on tour with Michael Jackson.

His pieces will be displayed at the Frames USA store in Miami next month.

Bubbles was retired to the Center for Great Apes in 2005 when he was 20, and now spends most of his time with an easel and paintbrush.

Now 34, he is the alpha of his group and one of the oldest residents. In addition to painting he loves playing in tubs of water.

Even after Bubbles' retirement, Michael Jackson maintained ownership of Bubbles, his first and favorite chimpanzee. But despite reports he did not include the 185-pound, 4½-foot Bubbles in his will.

The center says Bubbles is affectionate and kind to the younger chimps he lives with and is camera shy, despite his early life touring the world and appearing in music videos.

The exhibition, which features paintings on sale from $200 to $2,000, aims to raise funds for the center which provides a home for apes either rescued or retired from the entertainment industry.

Other primates putting their works on display include stars of 'Planet of the Apes,' orangutans from the movie 'Going Ape!' and NBC's soap opera 'Passions.'

Gallery owner Adam Brand said he got the inspiration for the ape art show after a customer came into the store to frame a painting done by an orangutan.

The Center for Great Apes is home to around 50 animals, with each one costing $22,000 per year to house.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4654494/Michael-Jackson-s-chimp-Bubbles-artist.html