Since its inception 25 years ago, Artists for Conservation has grown into an international network of nearly 500 nature and wildlife artists dedicated to championing preservation and fostering environmental education through art.
In July 2023, the organization celebrated this milestone anniversary with an exhibition in Vancouver, B.C., featuring 200 juried artworks by nearly as many artists representing 14 countries. A portion of the proceeds from every sale benefits a conservation organization of the artist’s choice.
A selection of 55 paintings, drawings, mixed media works and sculpture from the show is now the subject of an exhibition on view in Tucson’s Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum through March 3.
Spencer Frazer, Fight or Flight, oil on linen, 24 x 30"
Funds from the sale of Spencer Frazer’s Fight or Flight will benefit the Center for Biodiversity, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving flora and fauna endangered by climate change.
“My work addresses many of the issues that are caused by the environmental imbalance brought on basically as one species—humans—have dominated the planet,” says Frazer. “Fight or Flight presents a narrative of man versus nature. In particular, the geese are juxtaposed over the strip-mining of coal, an industry still at an all-time high and one of the worst polluters.”
Frazer continues, “I believe that my work and artists in general can raise the consciousness of the public about these issues by stimulating awareness and conversation. Throughout history artists have been on the forefront of change as well as documenting history.” Rosana Venturini was inspired to paint the Eurasian blue tit in Spring Feverwhile traveling in Europe this past spring. Her goal is to sell the painting to support Solidearth, a small nonprofit focused on rescuing and rehabbing meerkats in South Africa.
Rosana Venturini, Spring Fever, acrylic on canvas, 15¾ x 11¾"
“Art in its various forms can touch individuals in many ways,” says Venturini. “An image is often much more powerful than words in raising awareness of the current serious issues confronting nature. Images can trigger the imagination, evoke emotion and transport individuals to a different place or time. I truly believe art can help educate and inspire people to preserve our natural heritage.”
Judy Studwell, Old Goliath, watercolor, 24 x 19"
Ashley Roll has chosen the David Suzuki Foundation as the beneficiary of her sales in honor of Suzuki’s retirement as the host of the documentary series The Nature of Things. “He is a beacon of wisdom and has shown us how much one life can positively impact our world,” says Roll, whose nearly photographic painting of a dragonfly is meant to offset the common perception of insects as pests. “Too often people [do not take] the time to understand their vital role in our world,” she says. “Their complex artistic design and overall charm should have a platform to be admired.”
Ashley Roll, Bridge for a Dragon, oil and waxed-based colored pencil on 100% cotton rag, 14 x 20"
This year, Judy Studwell chose the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as the conservation organization of her choice. “Both Artists for Conservation and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum share a common commitment to raising awareness about conservation issues,” says Studwell, whose piece Old Goliath aptly portrays the most iconic cactus of the Southwest. “My goal as an artist is much the same as these two organizations—inspiring people to connect with and learn about the natural world. Through my art, I aim to foster a love for nature while expressing my creativity. Art has a unique power to bring people closer to nature, whether through a captured moment in a photograph or a beautifully painted scene. Both mediums invite viewers to contemplate the life of the subject or appreciate the grandeur of nature, fostering a deeper connection and love for the natural world.” “These are artists are exploring their own understanding of the natural world and their relationship to it through their creative practice,” says Art Institute/Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum curator Jennifer Lindquist. “This facilitates awareness to their audience with hopes that it will encourage conservation action. The level of dedication is evident not only in the art works themselves, but also in that the artists donate portions of their sales to their favorite conservation organization.” —
Artists for Conservation
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 883-1380, www.desertmuseum.org
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