Robert Campbell, Whitney Kurlan, and Camryn Finnan are the featured artists at the upcoming exhibit at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Each artist is well known for wildlife conservation efforts. These artists depict animals as they are rarely seen — in their natural African habitats. “Going … Going … Gone” is the title of the show as well as a not so subtle reminder that many animals are in danger of extinction. This exhibit is intended to bring awareness to the public and to support the efforts of wildlife conservation organizations. It opens February 4 and extends through March 19, 2021.
Artist Robert Campbell has created work for the Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, National Geographic, the National Audubon Society, and the Smithsonian. The rhinoceros has been a favorite animal of his since childhood, and his passion for them led him to work with Rhino Conservation of Botswana. One species is already extinct; the other two are endangered primarily because poachers kill them in attempt to harvest their horns, which are believed to have medicinal value.
Camryn Finnan has captured stunning photographs of African wildlife in their natural habitat in South Africa. Camryn developed a special love of dogs and is currently a professional trainer for Quality K9 Concepts. She recently interned with Canines for Africa, where she taught dogs the skills of man trailing and article searching to help catch poachers in the act. She also had the chance to get wonderful views from a lookout tower in the Kruger National Park.
Whitney Kurlan was inspired by Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom television program and started drawing animals at a young age. She won a Congressional Award for her watercolor paintings at the age of 18. Recently she has focused on the African painted dog, whose numbers are dwindling. A signature member of Artists for Conservation, Whitney was chosen to represent South Carolina in an exhibit featuring endangered species of North America for an Australian group called Living with Koalas.
Please join all three artists for the exhibition’s opening reception on February 4. Robert and Whitney will be painting live from Camryn’s photographs. There will be two artist talks with the exhibiting artists as well as guest speakers from conservation organizations. Because of limited on-site seating, a Zoom option will also be available. Paul Swart, of Rhino Conservation Botswana will speak on February 18 at 6 pm. Peter Blinston, of Painted Dog Conservation, will speak February 25 at 12 pm. The three exhibiting artists will be present for both events. For more information or to reserve a seat for the artist talks, call 803.641.9094 or visit AikenCenterForTheArts.org.
