Wirral Arts : The National Exhibition of Wildlife Art opens this Friday in south Wirral

Jul 13 2011 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

THE UK’s largest exhibition of wildlife art opens in south Wirral this weekend .

The National Exhibition of Wildlife Art (NEWA) will showcase more than 400 paintings and sculptures, featuring a broad range of subjects and techniques.

And in a change to the usual format, the first three days of the exhibition’s opening will feature live art demonstrations by leading British wildlife artists.

On Friday, Polyanna Pickering will deliver an insight into her painting technique, alongside Born Free Foundation’s, Chris Wright and pastel portraitist, John Paskin.

Saturday sees Wirral born, and highly regarded wildlife artist, Claire Shaughnessy, joined by David Cook and Thelma Sykes.

There’s a change of pace on Sunday when bird artist, Robert Cook is joined by woodcarvers, Chris Hindley and Philip Nelson.

Sunday also sees representatives take to the floor from the RSPB’s nearby Inner Marsh Farm, which is currently undergoing improvements, including the installation of a beautifully carved wooden totem donated by NEWA.

Now in its seventeenth year, the exhibition has grown from humble roots to become a major event in the arts calendar, with visitors travelling from across the globe.

It was started by Marion Tuffey and other fellow artists looking to promote wildlife art and conservation, and now welcomes around 20,000 people over a two week period.

All the work is selected by curators in advance and gives visitors an opportunity to view pieces by established professionals, alongside that produced by unknown artists.

Every item is for sale, and is also available to view, and buy, online at www.newa-uk.com.

The National Exhibition of Wildlife Art runs at Gordale Garden Centre, Chester High Road, Burton from Friday to Sunday July 31.

Entrance is free.