Leading artists from across the world come together for African Painted Dog conservation

Launching on Tuesday 15 September, a Global Art Fundraiser ‘LYCAON – Artists for Painted Dogs’ features over 30 international artists and photographers, who have come together to raise awareness and funds globally, for the endangered African Painted Dog (also known as Painted Wolves or African Wild Dogs).  Artwork is available to preview from 29 September and go on sale at 12 noon (BST) on 6 October.

A century ago, approximately 500,000 Painted Dogs roamed the African continent. Less than 6,600 including around 700 breeding pairs, remain in the wild today, as a result of ongoing habitat fragmentation, snare poaching, road kills and diseases caught from domestic dogs.

“Art is such a powerful tool to spread awareness and wonderment at the natural world.  Touching people both visually and emotionally, it is something which when embraced, can be incredibly transforming. I hope with this exhibition, we will shine a light on the enigmatic but endangered Painted Dog and build a strong pack mentality with our contributing artists to continue working for the plight of all species threatened today”.  Heather Irvine, Artist and Curator, Artists for Painted Dogs

Artists are donating 50% or more of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork to Painted Dog Conservation in Zimbabwe and Wildlife ACT in South Africa.

“The Painted Wolf Foundation is proud to support innovative initiatives that seek to raise awareness of this highly endangered species and much needed funds for crucial operations in the field. This is especially critical during these times of COVID-19 where many traditional revenue streams have dried up. Heather Irvine has brought together a group of highly talented and renowned wildlife artists who are offering some of their best work for Artists for Painted Dogs and providing art connoisseurs with the opportunity to purchase some incredible art which supports conservation at the same time. A win-win all round!” Nicholas Dyer, Chairman, Painted Wolf Foundation

African Painted Dogs, with their iconic Mickey Mouse ears, are one of Africa’s most enigmatic yet threatened predators. Their reputation for being Africa’s most efficient predator is well-deserved, and it is generally accepted that on average 80% of their hunts result in success. This success is largely due to their high intelligence, teamwork and communication skills. Their dedication to each other’s well-being shows the special bond within the pack.  When a dog becomes ill, injured or old, the rest of the pack cares for and feeds them.  This was one of the reasons that led to them being featured in David Attenborough’s Dynasties (BBC Series 1 – Painted Wolf).

Today, this remarkable species is extinct in 11 African countries and possibly extinct in 8 other countries, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

The Exhibition, organised by renowned UK artist Heather Irvine, includes many well-known artists such as Karen Laurence-Rowe (Kenya), Emily Lamb (Art Patron, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation), Nick Lyon (Director, BBC Dynasties Painted Wolves), Nick Dyer (author of Painted Wolves:  A Wild Dog’s Life), Liberty Shuro (Zimbabwe), Livia Gomez (Brazil), Stephen Rew (David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year, 2019), Nick Mackman (David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year, 2015).  Full list of artists given below.

As well as raising awareness globally for the African Painted Dog, the aim is to raise much-needed funds (especially with the additional challenges brought by COVID-19) to support two incredible organisations (@painted_dog_conservation and @wildlife_act) in the field, working hard to save the Painted Dogs and support the communities living alongside protected areas. Also to support artists who are struggling with physical exhibitions being closed during COVID-19, but even whilst facing financial challenges, are donating 50% or more of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork to the two organisations.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Website:          www.artistsforpainteddogs.com
Instagram:          @artistsforpainteddogs #artistsforpainteddogs
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/artistsforpainteddogs

KEY DATES:

Gallery open on website for viewing:        Tuesday 29 September
Exhibition opens for sales          12.00BST – Tuesday 6 October
Exhibition closes          22.00GMT – Friday 6 November

Heather Irvine (https://www.heatherirvineartist.co.uk)
Painted Dog Conservation (https://www.painteddog.org/)
Wildlife ACT (www.wildlifeact.com)
Painted Wolf Foundation (https://paintedwolf.org/)

List of artists / Instagram accounts):

Alexandra Schmiedebach  / alexandraschmiedebach
Amber Tylesley / amber_tyldesley_art
Barbara Franc  / barbara.franc
Carina Kramer  / carinakramer_artist
Catherine Drescher (Young Artist)  /  cat.drescher
Corinne Zollinger / cozartsgonewild
Daniel Wilson  /  dwilsonarts
Dawn Thornhill  /  Dawns_papercut_lightboxes
Emily Lamb /  emilylamb_art
Heather Irvine / irvinearts
Issy MacDonald (Young Artist)
Jo Maynard  / art_by_jo_maynard
John Threlfall  / johnthrelfall.art1
Julie Brunn  /  jbrunnart
Karen Burling  /  karenburlingart
Karen Laurence-Rowe  / karen_laurence_row_art
Kim Thompson /  kim.thompson789
Lewis Mbewe (Inganyana Arts Centre)
Liberty Shuro  /  libertyshuroart
Livia Gomez  /  matpetart
Nick Dyer  /  nicholasdyerphotography
Nick Lyon  /  Cockroach
Nick Mackman /  nickmackmansculpture
Nick Romeril  /  nicholas_romeril
Patrick Reynolds  /  patrickreynoldsart
Paula Schramm (Young Artist)  /  feather_and_fur
Pippa Orpen  / pipsorps
Stephen Rew /  stephenrewfineart
Tim Hastilow  / timhastilow
Tom Shepherd  /  tomshepherdartist
Torie Hilley  /  torie_hilley_fineart