July 2024 saw the Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 Exhibition return to the Mall Galleries in London, and I was absolutely thrilled to be one of the finalist artists exhibiting work there. My elephant drawing “The Elephant Charge” was on display and sold at the exhibition raising £1500 for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
It was fantastic to see such an incredible display of wildlife art in so many diverse mediums, from glass and embroidery, to wire and more traditional paintings and sculptures.
The exhibition preview and awards ceremony was held on 1st July. It was fantastic to meet the other wildlife artists exhibiting. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation did a presentation showing the broad range of conservation work they do to support endangered species in Asia and Africa. A lot of the work they do is around law enforcement through supporting rangers on the ground, making sure they’re properly supported and supplied with the equipment they need to operate effectively. DSWF also puts a lot of focus into education, working with local communities to overcome the conflicts they might face with local wildlife. They aim to create spaces in which both the local people and the wildlife can live harmoniously side by side and thrive. By working with local schools as well, they’re inspiring the next generation to grow into wildlife ambassadors with the passion and knowledge to protect their natural spaces and wildlife.
Between 2nd and 6th July, the exhibition was open to the public to come and view and purchase the wildlife art on display. 50% of every artwork sold at the exhibition was donated to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to support their wildlife conservation projects.
As part of the event, all finalists were invited to submit a postcard sized piece of wildlife art as a donation, which would be sold at the exhibition with 100% of the sale price going to DSWF. Priced at £60 each, these were a brilliant way for people to own a gorgeous piece of original wildlife art at a really affordable price. There were so many fabulous little postcard pieces on display, and amongst them a little puffin painting I donated which I’m pleased to say sold on the first day!
In total, the Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 exhibition raised £77000 for wildlife conservation through artwork sales. It was such a privilege to be a part of the event and uniting with other wildlife artists to support our natural world.
