Local Conservation Artist Goes Global

–– from Kim Middleton —

Orcas Island artist Kim Middleton joins eleven artists in an inaugural delegation to Qingdao, China in August for the International Exhibit of Nature in Art. Artists for Conservation (AFC) carefully selected the delegation from its 500 international members. Middleton’s award-winning art, coupled with her career in avian biology and conservation, secured her this coveted invitation (see orcasissues.com/birdfest-all-things-bird-and-beautiful/). Lanwan Art Museum in Qingdao will host the exhibit during August and September displaying three of Middleton’s works.

“My intent with my art is to spark an interest with the avian world in the hope of increasing bird appreciation and preservation”, says Middleton. Her art exemplifies extensive knowledge of and a passion for birds born out of her life devoted to studying and working with birds. Middleton demonstrates this, not only in the attention to detail of the physical features of birds but also, in their unique attributes.

While in Qingdao for the opening of the art exhibit, Middleton will demonstrate her distinctive painting style using thin glazes of transparent oil paint to build layers of rich, luminescent colors. A portion of the art sales during the exhibit, including demonstration works, will help support wildlife conservation and education in China.

“Through this partnership [with China], we are excited at the possibilities of maximizing the positive impact of AFC’s art exhibit and its message to encourage protection of threatened species worldwide,” AFC President and Founder Jeff Whiting explains.

In addition to the artist delegation, AFC will send 126 paintings and sculptures to the China exhibit chosen from member submissions. AFC’s website describes the organization as “a Canadian-based international non-profit. Its mission supports wildlife and habitat conservation and environmental education through art that celebrates nature. AFC represents 500 artists from 27 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.”

“Meltdown” by Kim Middleton

See Middleton’s art at www.KimMiddleton.com and learn more about Artists for Conservation at www.artistsforconservation.org.