My experience at the Exhibition with the Association of Animal Artists

Reflections on the October Exhibition with the Association of Animal Artists

Firstly, let me start with an apology for the delay in sharing this update. Life has been a whirlwind lately, and while the memories of the October exhibition with the Association of Animal Artists have been vivid in my mind, putting them into words took longer than I’d hoped. Thank you for your patience, and I’m excited to finally share this experience with you!

In October, I had the honour of participating in an exhibition as a member of the Association of Animal Artists (AAA) at the Station Gallery in Richmond, Yorkshire. The event brought together a wonderfully diverse group of artists, all united by a shared passion for celebrating animals through art. It was truly inspiring to see how each artist captured the beauty, personality, and spirit of creatures big and small, using a variety of mediums and styles.

My Work on Display

For this exhibition, I showcased two pieces of art: "Maternal Love" and "Alpha Male", both of which were inspired by my fascination with primates and form part of my primate collection, a project I’m currently working on. "Maternal Love" was inspired by a visit to Chester Zoo, where my husband captured a beautiful moment in time between a mother and baby chimp. "Alpha Male", featuring a powerful depiction of a gorilla, was based on an image from the archives of my husband’s animal photo collection. It was incredibly rewarding to share these pieces and the stories behind them, as well as my ongoing passion for capturing the essence of primates in my art.

The Highlights of the Exhibition

The event itself was more than just a showcase of art; it was a celebration of community. One of the most memorable aspects was meeting fellow artists and animal lovers. It’s always humbling to connect with others who share the same passion for capturing the essence of animals and translating that connection into art. The AAA team did an exceptional job curating the exhibition and ensuring every piece told its own unique story. I was also struck by the support from attendees. Whether they were seasoned collectors, animal enthusiasts, or first-time visitors, their enthusiasm and curiosity brought the exhibition to life. Many conversations with visitors revolved around the emotions and stories behind the works, which reminded me of the profound impact art can have.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

One of the aspects that makes the Association of Animal Artists so special is their dedication to giving back. Each year, the AAA supports a chosen charity, and a percentage of all work sold in their exhibitions is donated to that cause. For this year’s exhibition (2024) the chosen charity was the Secret Wildlife Charity. It was wonderful to know that the art we created not only celebrated the beauty of animals but also contributed to their welfare in a meaningful way.

Lessons and Gratitude

Being part of this exhibition was not only a creative milestone but also a learning experience. Seeing how others interpreted the theme of animal art broadened my perspective and inspired new ideas for future projects. I also came away with a renewed sense of purpose—to continue telling the stories of the animals especially those that are endangered inspire me to refine my craft.

I’m deeply grateful to the Association of Animal Artists for providing this platform and for their commitment to celebrating wildlife through art. Their dedication to supporting artists and raising awareness of improving animal welfare especially those in captivity is truly commendable.

Looking Ahead

While October may feel like a distant memory now, the inspiration from that exhibition continues to fuel my work. I’m currently working on expanding my Primate Collection plus a few new exciting things and I can’t wait to share more with you in the coming months. If you’d like to see some of my other work for example, pet portrait commissions or learn more about my work, feel free to explore the gallery. For those who missed the exhibition, I hope this blog gives you a small glimpse into the magic of the event.

Thank you again for your understanding about the delay in sharing this update. I’m thrilled to have finally shared this special experience with you, and I look forward to keeping you updated on future exhibitions and projects.