The Territory Wildlife Park’s 2017 Artists in the Park exhibition officially opened at a ceremony at Tactile Arts Gallery in Fannie Bay last night.

Territory Wildlife Park Director Shael Martin said the Artists in the Park program continues a strong tradition to use art to communicate conservation efforts, and much of the art goes back into the park to continue this important message.

“The exhibition coincides with national threatened species day, and provides an important opportunity for the park to work with talented local artists while celebrating the fantastic work done to save Australian species from extinction.”

“All of the artists have become Territory Wildlife Park ambassadors, and the exhibition is a celebration of their work, as well as the wonderful talent and diversity of the artists in our community. What makes it even more special is each artist’s commitment to conservation," Ms Martin said.

Since introducing the program in 2011, the park has seen a transformation from sign based interpretation to a myriad of artistic installations. Some of the installations include the mosaic poles at the Oolloo sandbar, the animal lanterns hanging at each of the train stations, the crocheted coral reef installation at the aquarium, and the atlas moth and felted forest installation at the nocturnal house.

The artists in the park exhibition runs from 1 to 17 September and showcases the work of 20 artists who have been involved with the Territory Wildlife Park since 2011 as either artists-in-the-park, or as part of the parks interpretive program of community arts and conservation projects.

This year’s exhibition features an array of different styles of art, including a Gouldian Fire Story painting from local artists Sandra Kendall, a Sandpipers art installation by Aly De Groot and even quoll glasses cases by Robyn McClean.

National threatened species day is celebrated across the country on 7 September to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction, and to highlight the amazing work being done to save them. The date commemorates the day the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger died in Tasmania in 1936.

The exhibition opens Friday 1 September, 2017 at the Tactile Arts Gallery, Conacher Street Bullocky Point, adjacent to the museum, and is open from 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday.

ENDS

Exhibition Contact
Jasmine Jan 0476 835 125

Media contact
Parks and Wildlife, Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager 0476 844 832