A look at the work of the Association of Animal Artists

The Association of Animal Artists (AAA), was formed in 2009 with the aim of bringing together artists working in the genre of all animal art, as opposed to solely wildlife. The Association also provides fellowship and support for its members who work in what is by its very nature, a solitary profession.

Summer Bay Horse - Alison Stafford (Image: Archant)

Originally based in the Northwest of the UK, the AAA has expanded to become a truly international Association, with members coming from as far away as China and the USA. Many of its members are award winning artists who are also active in the world of animal conservation, and it welcomes, in addition to professional artists, experienced amateurs who feel that they have attained a degree of proficiency, and want to take their work onto the next level.

The AAA understands the importance for individual artists to meet up and share information about themselves and their practice and to further their skills. With this in mind, days out are arranged for reference gathering, to wildlife reserves, zoos etc. These days out also serve as a great opportunity for members to get to know each other on a social level, and aim to be enjoyable as well as educational.

Prowling Tiger - Tony Evans (Image: Archant)

The AAA holds two exhibitions a year. Recently, the main Spring Exhibition and Awards Night has been held at Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham, Cheshire. This is always a well attended event, in a beautiful setting. The second exhibition is held in the autumn and tends to be held at different venues each time, and helps to spread the word of the AAA to a new audience. This autumn’s exhibition will be held at The Granary Gallery, Weston Park, in the Midlands.

Every year the AAA chooses an animal charity to work alongside, helping to raise the profile of the charity’s work. At the end of the year, the AAA is able to make a donation to the charity with money raised from the sale of the artwork in our exhibitions. As a result, buying original art at one of the AAA’s exhibitions not only means that you have something beautiful of your own to hand down to future generations, but you are also helping an artist to continue doing what they love and do best in addition to helping a deserving charity.

Sweet Dreams - Sara Butt (Image: Archant)

The AAA’s chosen charity for 2018 is The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). The BHPS work tirelessly to raise public awareness of the plight of our hedgehogs, the numbers of which have been in serious decline since the 1950’s. It also keeps a register of hedgehog rescuers in the UK, and provides information for the public on how to care for our hedgehogs, and what to do if you see a hedgehog in trouble. You can view their website on www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

If you would like any further information about the Association of Animal Artists, or if you think you might like to join us, why not have a look at our website: www.associationofanimalartists.com You will be able to get a better idea of what we do, view the individual biographies of many members, and view our current exhibition entries.

We also have a button which makes joining the AAA easy, and at £35 per annum, it is fantastic value for money.

Pinky Cow - Paul Hardern (Image: Archant)

If you are not an artist, but enjoy looking at animal art, we have an active Facebook page where we post many uplifting stories about wildlife and nature. We also have links to Twitter on our website and an active Youtube channel.

We would love to meet you! www.associationofanimalartists.com

Proud To Be Peacock Vase - Liz Crabtree (Image: Archant)