AFC Festival 2019 – Artist Info & Registration

AFC 2019 Awards

"Morning Reflections" by Stephen Jesic

Congratulations to the award winners! See the winners of Best in Show, Medals of Excellence, Environmental Statement Award and the new Interpretive/Abstract Award. Learn more

Call to Artists

Artist Live Demos

We still have room for artists interested in setting up an easel and giving a live painting demo. It's a great way to engage with the public, meet new people and share your latest work.

Complete the online form

Accommodation

Due to high-season limitations, AFC does not have a specific preferred hotel this year. Per tradition, several artists usually stay at the Lonsdale Quay Hotel in North Vancouver, which is approximately a 30 minute drive to VanDusen Botanical Garden and a short ferry ride to downtown. Downtown Vancouver is generally more expensive but only 10-15 mins drive from the gardens. Some artists book through AirBnB , which has reasonably priced options within a few minutes drive. We recommend researching options online (Expedia, Travelocity, AirBnB, Hotels.com, etc.).

Special Offer with Western Art Collector Magazine

Western Art Collector Magazine is generously offering large discounted group rate ( up to nearly 2/3rds off normal rates) exclusively to AFC members in a special dedicated section of their September, 2019 issue. The magazine is extending this offer to all AFC members who have been accepted into an AFC exhibit. The section coincides with their annual spotlight on Wildlife Art.

1/4 Page: $550 (reg. $1,500)

1/2 Page: $1,150 (reg. $2,300)

Full Page: $2,100 (reg. $3,400)

Ad Deadline: July 20

Call 1-866-619-0841 or email WAC Magazine

Handmade Framing

America West Frames is AFC's Official Framer for the USA and a sponsor of the AFC Exhibit and Festival. Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, AWF is a high-end framing shop that creates customized hand-made wood frames (including guilding) to clients across North America. We're pleased to let you know that they are offering exclusive discounts to AFC members. 20% off first order, 10% off future orders and 20% off future orders of 4 or more custom frames.

Email Amber Nill or

call 1 (928) 213-1580

Visit Festival Website

Visit the AFC Website

Silent Skies Mural

12 July, 2019

Dear Fellow AFC Artists,

Congratulations to all artists who have been selected for this year's (12th annual) Artists for Conservation Exhibit!

We hope you plan to attend the AFC's 9th festival and exhibit weekend from September 26 - 29 at the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Gardens in downtown Vancouver! We've put together an itinerary plus some tips and suggestions to help you plan your trip. All members are welcome!

All AFC members are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate, even if you are not in the show.

ARTIST FESTIVAL & DINNER PASS

The opening evening will be divided into two parts: an Artist & Awards dinner (for artists and their guests) and a Grand Opening Reception (for awards dinner guests and public ticket-holders). As in previous years, to cover associated costs for the weekend, each attending artist and guest must register in advance. Your weekend pass covers the following:

Artist Awards Dinner
Grand Opening Reception
VanDusen Botanical Garden 3-Day Festival Pass (includes full access to the gardens)
Bloedel Conservatory morning tour (Sept 27)

Required for all AFC artists (and up to 1 guest) attending the opening/dinner (Sept 26).

Please email us if you are attending with more than one guest/family member. We will do our best to accommodate but space is limited for the artist dinner.

Festival Itinerary Overview

Thurs, Sept 26

9:00am - 11:30am | Sea Safari (Regisration Required)

4:00pm - 5:00pm | Artists Orientation & Exhibit Preview

5:00pm - 6:30pm | Artist Dinner

7:00pm - 10:00pm | Grand Opening Reception

Fri, Sept 27

10:00am - 11:30am | Artist visit to Bloedel Conservatory

9:00am - 6:00pm | Public Festival & Films

7:00pm onward | Artists Night Out*

(*Note that the Artists Night Out is not an official activity but a great social opportunity not far from the Festival. Artists pay their own tab.)

Sat, Sept 28

9:00am - 6:00pm | Public Festival & Exhibit

11:00am - 11:30am | Public Welcome Ceremony

1:00pm - 5:00pm | Artist Demos

1:00pm - 5:00pm | Live Music & Birds of Prey

Sun, Sept 29

9:00am - 4:00pm | Public Festival & Exhibit

1:00pm - 5:00pm | Artist Demos

11:00am - 5:00pm | Live Music & Birds of Prey

5:00pm | Event Closes

Note: Above schedule is tentative and exact times are subject to change (though dates will not change). A detailed program schedule will be distributed (downloadable and printable PDF) closer to the festival dates.

Artist Field Trips

Reserve your field trips now. Limited space. Don't miss out!

Artists' Sea Safari | Thurs, Sept 26 | 9am - 12pm

Take a 2-hour tour to experience a morning of boating and wildlife viewing, hosted by Sewell's Marina - a returning sponsor of the festival. Sewell's Marina is located 20 mins from North Vancouver. Note: Trip is weather dependent and could potentially be cancelled at the Marina's or AFC's discretion. Details on transportation to come closer to the event time. Special Sponsor Price: $30 USD per person (less than half price) | Register Now

Bloedel Conservatory | Fri, Sept 27 | 9:45-11:30am

We are organizing a field trip for all artists and their guest to visit the Bloedel Conservatory. Located just a few blocks away from VanDusen, the Bloedel Conservatory is a domed "biosphere" featuring 3 biomes, more than 200 free-flying exotic birds, and over 500 exotic plants and flowers, within its climate-controlled environment. Artists are responsible for transportation to Bloedel Conservatory in the morning - only 2 minutes drive from VanDusen Botanical Garden. Free admission with your Artist Festival Pass. RSVP by email

Spread the Word

The AFC Festival website is updated regularly and it's a great one to share on social media, your newsletters and other marketing material. Please help us spread the word by telling your family, friends and colleagues near and far about the event.

We're sincerely looking forward to seeing many of you in a wonderful reunion of our membership from around the world. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding the above.

Sincerely,

Jeff Whiting

President & Founder,

Artists for Conservation

Artists for Conservation is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment. Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries, across five continents. Our mission is to support wildlife and habitat conservation and environmental education through art that celebrates nature.