Blogs

Sadly, Pollyanna Pickering passed away on March 29, 2018, following a short illness. With her passing, we have lost a great artist, passionate and generous wildlife conservationist. She was a big part of the AFC community over the years and will be deeply missed by her friends and colleagues at Artists for Conservation.

AFC artist Bruce Lawes, recently completed a major arwork depicting a chimpanzee, created specifically to support the Jane Goodall Institute. In this article, Bruce describes the creative process and how his lifelong conservation hero, Dr. Goodall herself contributed to the artwork's completion.

On October 12 through 15, Several AFC artists are lending support to a major conservation fundraiser. Participating AFC artists include: Stephane Alsac, Guy Combes, Carrie Cook, Gary Hodges, Kate Jenvey, Karen Lawrence-Rowe, Ann London, Clive Meredith, Jeremy Paul, Pollyanna Pickering, Craig Roberts, Geraldine Simmons, Su Shimeld, Jonathan Truss and Paula Weigmink. Following is the press release describing the event.

Wildlife Glass Artist, Kathleen Sheard, has undertaken the Cycle of Life: Sea Turtle Glass Sculpture – Environmental Art Education Project to raise awareness of and educate people to the dangers to sea turtles. The project includes an installation of over 60 kiln-formed glass pieces depicting life-size sea turtles and hatchlings along with elements that endanger them. The Cycle of Life is a collaboration between Kathleen Sheard and other glass and wood artists from across the US.

With deep sadness we share with you the passing of fellow artist and conservationist, David Shepherd. An international champion of the conservation movement, and a legendary wildlife artist, David leaves a legacy of support for African wildlife. He also inspired hundreds of professional artists around the world to also take up the cause, through the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the annual DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year Award. A Signature Member of AFC since 2004, David was also the first recipient of AFC's highest honour - the Simon Combes Conservation Award in 2006.

AFC member Becci Crowe will be joining a prestigious group traveling to Vienna, VA in October as a newly elected member of the Board of Directors of The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). The Jane Goodall Institute was founded by Dr. Jane Goodall 40 years ago following her ground breaking years of research with Chimpanzees at Gombe National Park. Today, with Dr. Goodall at its helm, JGI has expanded into a global conservation organization inspiring people to conserve the natural world and improving the lives of people, animals and the environment.

Vancouver, BC CANADA - Sept 1, 2017  - Internationally recognized Canadian artist Mark Hobson has been chosen to receive the Artists for Conservation’s (AFC) top honor: the Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award.  AFC bestows this tribute annually to recognize artist members for their dedication to the conservation cause and outstanding artistic achievement. 

A strong advocate for preserving the wilderness he loves to paint, Mark has donated numerous paintings and much of his time to efforts to preserve natural environments.

Vancouver, BC CANADA - August 26, 2017 - Artists for Conservation (AFC) is pleased to announce the exhibiting artists and award winners of the tenth annual AFC Exhibit to be held this fall in Vancouver, BC. The awards include five AFC Medals of Excellence, which recognizes at least five outstanding artworks in the exhibit, and an Environmental Statement Award. AFC has also created a new Best in Show Award this year, in recognition of the highest scoring artwork by the jury panel in the annual exhibit.

Artists receiving the awards are as follows:

Vancouver, BC CANADA - Aug 15, 2017 - Artists for Conservation is pleased to announce that American artist Jerry Ragg's painting "Dual Pursuit", depicting a pair of Orcas, has been selected for the cover of the 2017 Artists for Conservation exhibit book. The annual hardcover "coffee-table" book is published on sustainably forested paper, as a companion to the 10th annual AFC Exhibit, showing in Vancouver and North Vancouver, BC running November 9-13 with a special preview on October 21. The image will be on display in AFC's virtual online exhibit this fall.

Vancouver, BC CANADA - Aug 15, 2017 - Artists for Conservation is pleased to announce that Signature AFC Member, Caroline Brooks painting "Targeted Approach" depicting a Snow Leopard, has been selected for the cover of the 2018 AFC Environmental Calendar. In addition to highlighting statutory and religious holidays, the calendar also uniquely highlights a wide range of international environmental-themed days and weeks. The annual calendar is published on sustainably forested paper, as a companion to the 8th annual AFC Exhibit, showing in North Vancouver, BC running November 9 to 13.