Main Event: VanDusen Botanical Garden | Sept 22-25, 2022
Preview: Maplewood Flats Conservancy | TBD
Virtual Program | Aug 29 - Sept 25, 2022
Artists for Conservation (AFC) is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. The Artists for Conservation Festival is AFC's annual flagship initiative to showcase, support and further these programs.
"Into the Papyrus" by John Banovich has been selected for the AFC's annual juried "International Exhibit of Nature in Art. It is world's top conservation-themed art exhibit and sale. It's a rare opportunity for art collectors to buy original artwork by internationally acclaimed artists and directly support conservation work. Most of the artwork in the exhibit is for sale and ranges widely in price from $500 to $50,000+. 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.
Artist Statement:
John Banovich
Into the Papyrus
oil on Belgian linen
48h x 72w in
121.92h x 182.88w cm
This project was conceived several years ago and was inspired by a trip to Mozambique’s Zambezi Delta. Here, elephants have made an extraordinary, post-war comeback. Mark Haldane has worked hard since the mid-90s, conducting research, providing protection, and doing excellent community work. Today, thousands of elephant can be found throughout this 4.5 million acre ecosystem, and they feel quite safe when out in the giant Papyrus Swamps. Long live the Elephants!