Vancouver, BC CANADA - July 15, 2022 - Artists for Conservation is pleased to announce that AFC Signature Member, John Banovich's painting "Into the Papyrus", has been selected for the cover of this year's AFC Exhibit book. John is an internationally acclaimed American artist, conservationist and past recipient of AFC's highest honor - the Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award. The annual hardcover "coffee-table" book is published on sustainably forested paper, as a companion to the 15th annual AFC Exhibit, showing in Vancouver, BC September 22-25. The image will be on display in AFC's virtual online exhibit this fall. Featured on the back cover of the book, for the first time, are two artworks: bronze sculpture "Pangolin" by another UK artist, Casey Banwell and "One Turtle's Journey" by US artist, Aga Elliot.
The exhibit book is published as a companion to the annual exhibit. The 240-page tribute to AFC's global pool of artist talent and features artwork juried into the world's top conservation-themed exhibit and sale - centrepiece of the upcoming Artists for Conservation Festival, as well artworks featured in a broader online virtual show. All proceeds from book sales support Artists for Conservation charitable programming. The book can be pre-ordered online or purchased at the Artists for Conservation Festival. Stock is very limited and this prized collector's book is sure to sell quickly.
Artists for Conservation
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.
Image:
John Banovich
Into the Papyrus, 2019
oil on Belgian linen
48h x 72w in
121.92h x 182.88w cm
Artist Statement:
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!