2014 was another very exciting year in the growth and development of the world's leading artist group supporting the environment - Artists for Conservation. We saw a new Flag Expedition, AFC's 7th exhibit and 4th festival, a new annual event pilot in South Florida, a group expedition to the Caymans, a conservation symposium, the establishment of International Bear Day, a new Christmas exhibit and much more, not the least of which was another beautiful hardcover book and wall calendar.

Following is a brief recap of highlights from 2014...

On December 12th, 2004, revered artist, conservationist. Simon Combes was tragically killed by a charging Cape buffalo while hiking near his home in Kenya. Simon was widely respected as a man of superb artistic talent, as a brilliant communicator, writer, instructor, world-traveler, painter, and as a steward of our planet. We were honoured to have had him as a member of Artists for Conservation.

Last month, AFC completed its 4th annual Artists for Conservation Festival, celebrating nature's beauty and diversity with a spectacular art exhibit and a host of inspiring art and environmental education programs. The event welcomed public of all ages with a variety of interests - fine art, environment and conservation.

AFC artist Kitty Harvill set out earlier this year with the goal of inspiring artists to support each other and raising the profile of endangered species. She created a Facebook group that involved an art challenge to her followers, of creating one painting each week featuring wildlife and nature. The public Facebook group, named 52 WEEKS - Nature Painting Challenge, began with just nine members and through the year she has seen the group grow to over 200 participants, experienced and novice, from four continents.