This is my first blog posting on the Artists for Conservation website. I feel honoured and privileged to be selected as a member, because Conservation and protection of the environment, climate change issues and how they effect wildlife habitat, all of those items are extremely important to me.
Mission & Vision of AFC
Artists for Conservation is a Canadian based international non-profit. AFC represents 500 artists from 30 countries,in the nature/wildlife art genre, who are committed to conservation. Many of the world's most recognized names in the field are actively involved.
Our mission is to support wildlife and habitat conservation and environmental education
through art that celebrates nature.
My first project that I am supportive of is the Alton Millpond Restoration. The historic mill pond is a prominent feature of the Alton Mill site and is highly visible from the main street of the village. However the creation of the pond by damming Shaw’s Creek created negative consequences for fish habitat (warming the water and blocking spawning routes). Siltation of the pond is detracting from its visual and recreational utility and work is required on the dam and retaining walls.The goal is to restore this habitat for the fish , birds, turtles and wild life that use Shaw's creek, This 350-acre tract, adjacent to the town of Alton, is an environmentally significant property where two rivers, Shaw’s Creek and the Credit, flow south and converge. The Alton Grange contains an area of fragile wetlands, considerable areas of natural hardwood and mixed forest, meadows and open flood plain.
Hopefully I can assist with the restoration.
As well in December I was selected as a member of OSA.
Honoured to have been selected through a heavily vetted process to be a new member of the Ontario Society of Artists.
Founded in 1872, the Ontario Society of Artists is Canada’s longest continuing art society.
OSA is a professional association for visual artists living and working across Ontario with a mandate to promote the visual arts through exhibitions, special projects and arts advocacy. Their membership roster includes many of Canada’s best-known painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers. They currently have an active membership of over two hundred artists, working in a wide range of media and from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
These two new art memberships will keep me busy enough, but I am also a member of the Colour and Form Society, and last May was elected to the Society of Canadian Artists.
As well , I am represented by the Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, Steve Wilson Studios and Gallery in Niagara Falls 94681 Queen Street), and The Circle Foundation in Lyon France. They also exhibit in other cities, and my artwork was represented at the Art Expo San Diego in October of this year.
I hope you will get a chance to visit in my studio at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, 1402 Queen Street West, Alton ,Onario or see my website www.lyndencowan.com. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
2020 is going to be a busy year.
Back to the easel,
Lynden