A week of wildlife art returns to the Mall Galleries June 28 – July 2

PRESS RELEASE

The tenth annual David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Week of Wildlife Art returns to the Mall Galleries, London this summer with a stunning exhibition of original art. From June 28 to July 2 the galleries will be flooded with the colour and form of the natural world celebrated in a wide range of media including oils, watercolour, bronze and ceramic.

Forming the heart of the exhibition is the shortlist for the 2017 Wildlife Artist of the Year prize. Launched in 2007 to raise awareness and funds for endangered wildlife, the competition brings together the world’s best wildlife artists exploring seven exciting categories. From Earth’s Beautiful Creatures to Urban Wildlife, more than 160 original works will challenge preconceptions of wildlife art.

“The sheer diversity of media and form this year has created an extraordinary celebration of the natural world and a huge challenge for the judges,” says DSWF CEO, Oliver Smith.

“This year’s shortlist brings the wild to life,” says judge, award-winning artist Gary Hodges. “From the silence of a shark casting its shadowy form on the ocean bed to the scuttling of armadillos, the peacefulness of hippos wallowing in the early morning sun and the symphony of bird song at dusk, selecting the overall winner from this amazing collection will be extremely hard.”

One hundred and sixty three pieces have been shortlisted for the £10,000 sponsored top prize with the judges making their final selection on the morning of Tuesday, June 27 ahead of the private view and prize-giving that evening.

As part of the event’s tenth anniversary celebrations and helping to bring the story of wildlife protection to life, the Threadneedle Space at the Mall Galleries will host The Bigger Picture, an exhibition of art, photography and film which weaves a visual tale of life as an anti-poacher in Zambia captured over a month on the ground this February.

Commenting on the event, wildlife artist, conservationist and founder of DSWF, David Shepherd CBE said: “I set up my Foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals which helped me achieve success as an artist. At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and the illegal trade it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.

“The addition of The Bigger Picture at this year’s event helps bring to life the struggle of the rangers who protect precious wildlife populations on the front line of conservation, illustrating that saving wildlife is a truly human story.”

Each original piece in the exhibition is for sale, with profits supporting the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Since 2007, the event has raised more than £350,000 to help protect some the world’s most endangered wildlife.

Week of Wildlife Art – The Mall Galleries, SW1

Tuesday June 27

4pm – Exclusive Press Preview – have free range of the galleries before the crowds or come at 5pm and meet the shortlisted artists (RSVP vicky.flynn@davidshepherd.org)

5.30pm – Private View and Prize-Giving for artists, special guests and press (call Shauna Rees on 01483 272323 for information)

Wednesday June 28 – Sunday July 2 – Public Opening Times – 10am to 5pm (4pm Saturday, 1pm Sunday), entry by donation

Saturday July 1 – family day at the Mall Galleries with art and photography workshops for all ages. For full details and to book your free space see the website www.davidshepherd.org

Pre-sales and an online catalogue will be available from mid-June

About Wildlife Artist of the Year & the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s (DSWF) annual Wildlife Artist of the Year competition has become a major event in the artists and art-buyers calendar.  Attracting artists from around the world 2017 marks the competition’s tenth anniversary.

The competition forms the heart of the charity’s week of wildlife art at the Mall Galleries and is complemented this year by The Bigger Picture.

Since it began, the event has raised more than £350,000 for conservation projects supported by David’s eponymous wildlife charity.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation is a UK registered charity (1106893) working to protect endangered mammals in the wild.

For images and press enquiries please contact vicky.flynn@davidshepherd.org