NSU Alvin Sherman Library Hosts Environmental Art Exhibition, Ends June 16

With the support of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), BBX Capital Foundation, and The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Artists For Conservation (AFC) has announced a new world-class art exhibit and international cultural event for South Florida, May 17 through June 16.

Artists for Conservation , based in Vancouver, Canada,  is a global society of painters and sculptors who support critical wildlife conservation programs.  The inaugural event, hosted by Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library’s Marisela and Adolfo Cotilla Gallery, will feature a sampling of AFC’s art and environmental education programming for youth and adults, lectures and films, with plans underway for a full-scale event in 2015, which is being touted as a signature art event for Broward County.

The collection features some 55 pieces representing 38 artists, including four from Florida. All the pieces are for sale, with proceeds benefiting a series of conservation organizations, including the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

“The Alvin Sherman Library takes pride in hosting significant cultural and uniquely impactful events in our gallery, said Lydia Acosta, NSU Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian. “This exhibit is not only beautifully captivating but such an incredibly important reminder of how protecting our wild and marine life is crucial. We hope to increase awareness of this critical issue.”

“As the human population continues to grow and exploit nature, this once small genre continues to become more prominent as we address issues of conservation through our art,” said Guy Harvey, PhD., one of the event’s showcased artists and recipient of the AFC’s prestigious Simon Combes Conservation Award in 2011. “No longer is ‘wildlife art’ considered the red-headed stepchild of fine art.  We are becoming a major force in the genre of fine art and the consuming public now pays more attention to our work and our actions than at any time in our history.”

Artists for Conservation is a global society of more than 500 artists, both established names and up and coming artists. AFC’s annual, marquee event – which takes place each fall – is the world’s top conservation-themed art experience, featuring all original artwork by painters and sculptors. Together with the art and conservation-focused films, publications and informative presentations, the exhibit serves as a visually stunning and effective vehicle for conveying the importance of fostering creativity in art and protecting our wildlife and precious landscapes.

Each piece of art on display does more than tell a story. It disseminates an important message about wildlife and what needs to be done to conserve our natural resources for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.  Most artwork is available for sale with some of the proceeds supporting international conservation efforts.

All artwork sales benefit wildlife conservation. Opening weekend activities feature a Meet-the-Artists reception, book signing, hosted film screenings with AFC President and Founder Jeff Whiting, lectures by leading artists and youth workshops.

Free to the public, the gallery hours at the Alvin Sherman Library are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, please visit www.artistsforconservation.org/south-florida