Vancouver, British Columbia – (Oct 3, 2020) - Artists for Conservation (AFC) is excited to announce the launch of the 2020 Virtual Exhibit on its online gallery, showcasing original paintings and sculptures for sale in support of conservation, from its latest annual exhibit. The unveiling coincides with the 10th annual Artists for Conservation Festival, running October 1-4 at the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, Canada.
This year’s exhibit features 200 artworks by 168 artists from 17 countries. At least 40% of proceeds from artwork sales benefits conservation and environmental education, and each artwork is dedicated to supporting a conservation organization of the artist's choice.
AFC Founder and President Jeff Whiting explains, "For our 10th anniversary Artists for Conservation Festival, and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to expand our virtual exhibit both technologically and culturally. An evermore important part of spreading the conservation message, is to do so through rich media and creative and collaborative productions. We are thrilled to be working with Thomas Beckman again this year in creating a musical composition to accompany the artwork selected for our 2020 annual exhibit. Thomas envisioned a video production that would be more engaging, by combining the visual artwork, with the dynamics of a live performance recording. The resulting musical and video montage is superb."
Art appreciators and collectors are increasingly expecting everything to be available online and are requiring a more engaging experience instead of a static one. The power of a gallery experience married with a virtual experience will result in a wider reach, more engaged audience and increased potential for greater education and funds for conservation.
Whiting adds "AFC artists are doing important and relevant work. Artists are capturing and communicating the cultural importance of protecting our environment through art. The digital space provides a platform for those who share common interests, passions and concerns with our artists and to foster social change with technology. Enormous opportunities are yet to-come in the virtual world."
More virtual activities associated with this year's AFC Festival are planned. A schedule is posted on the festival website. A live exhibit is currently on display in Vancouver until October 4th, with the exhibit slated to tour to the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida in early 2021.
See the new AFC Virtual Exhibit and full performance here.