The Wildlife Art Society International (TWASI) will this month be holding their annual exhibition at the Nature In Art museum in Twigworth.

The exhibition sees members of the society come from all around the UK to meet up and share their creations, giving the public a chance to see a range of different wildlife themed pieces.

Chairwoman and long-time member of TWASI, Sarais Crawshaw, explains what the group is all about.

She said: “TWASI is a group established to encourage wildlife artists of all abilities, from leisure and hobby artists to full professionals, who all love to depict wildlife and wild places in a variety of styles and media.

“We regularly visit wildlife venues around the country, for members to work together observing,
sketching and photographing animals and gaining reference for their work.

“We also work hard to encourage conservation of wildlife and make regular contributions to conservation charities by donations from funds, or by donating artwork.”

Sarais, a fulltime artist herself, joined TWASI in 1994, two years after its formation.

She become Chairwoman three years ago, following the death of the previous Chairman Derek Walker.

“I’ve been involved with art since childhood,” she continued. “My parents encouraged me to be curious about the natural world, so my fascination with wildlife and the countryside is well established.

“My work is mainly concentrated on British wildlife. I try to bring to my work some of the thrill I experience from watching the natural world around me, and to create a narrative in my pictures, reflecting the lives and characters of the animals that I study.

“I’m part of the Central Council of TWASI, there are currently 12 of us, all volunteers, who give their invaluable time to organise the society.

“Many other members give great assistance in helping to put up our exhibitions, or in organising visits, and we are generally a very sociable and friendly society. I’ve enjoyed making countless good friends amongst the members.”

With around 230 members throughout the UK and in overseas countries, the annual exhibition has become a popular event, for artists and visitors alike.

“Member’s work will come in all sorts and many media,” explained Sarais. “Paintings, drawings, collage, sculpture, photographs, computer generated images, and there will also be plenty of members’ consumer items such as greetings cards and prints.

“Each day there will be several members on site, demonstrating their work, and ready to answer visitors’ questions.”

The exhibition, which takes place from Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June, will feature around 350 works from between 100 to 150 artists.

There will be awards up for grabs for TWASI members celebrating their art and include ‘The Christopher Parsons Award for Artistic Excellence’ and ‘The Ken Stroud Founders Award for Best interpretation of British Wildlife’.

Sarais added: “There are a range of awards to be won, which are always judged by an independent panel, usually consisting of an artist, a photographer and someone connected with conservation.

“The awards will be presented on the last afternoon of the exhibition, by Anna-Louise Pickering, who is one of our patrons.”

The exhibition is set to be one of the highlights of the year for all members of The Wildlife Art Society International, with Sarais summing up just what makes the group so unique.

She said: “We feel that wildlife art is particularly special because it celebrates the vital link between man and our natural world and reinforces the crucial interdependence of all life on earth, in all its’ beauty and fragility.

“Our members do all they can to bring wildlife to the public’s view, and to encourage the appreciation and conservation of our natural heritage.”