Artists for Conservation Festival Takes Flight with Birds of Prey at Grouse Mountain

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 12, 2013) - On September 27, several of the world's top nature and wildlife artists will gather to sketch live birds of prey at the opening gala for the third annual Artists for Conservation Festival on Grouse Mountain. The original art pieces will be auctioned off with proceeds directly supporting Artists for Conservation's art and environmental education programming.

Presented by RE/MAX and sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, the third annual Artists for Conservation Festival features a wide range of art and environmental education activities, including the world's top conservation-themed art exhibit. The exhibit features 80 original paintings and sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Robert Bateman, Guy Harvey, Mark Hobson, David Kitler, Pollyanna Pickering and Ed Spera. All artwork is for sale and 40 per cent of proceeds will benefit conservation in BC and around the globe. World-renowned "Save the Whales" marine artist and expert, Richard Ellis will be present to receive AFC's top award. Robert Bateman returns as Festival patron with a new painting to support the event.

This year's festival will also host the first BC Conservation Symposium on Thursday, October 3. The day-long symposium will feature leaders from some of the top conservation organizations in B.C.

"The AFC Festival is an artistic, cultural and educational experience that captures the social climate of concern for the planet today," said Jeff Whiting, founder and President of Artists for Conservation. "Festival guests can explore the art exhibit, watch live painting demonstrations, listen to lectures, view 6 different films, participate in art workshops, enjoy music and cultural performances and mingle with the world's most talented nature-inspired artists."

The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife and OWL Rehabilitation Society will be supporting the festival with live wildlife ambassadors including owls, eagles, grizzly bears and wolves - each with their own conservation story.

"We are very pleased to host the Artists for Conservation Festival atop Grouse Mountain for the third consecutive year," said Grouse Mountain Resorts General Manager Michael Cameron. "Educating others about the conservation of wildlife and our environment is a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts and we are proud to support this outstanding and worthwhile event."

Tickets for the opening gala on Friday, September 27 are available online. The festival opens to public at 10am on Saturday, September 28 and runs until Sunday, October 6 on Grouse Mountain - providing a spectacular venue to celebrate art and nature overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A special family weekend is planned for Saturday, October 5 through Sunday, October 6. For detailed festival information, tickets, schedule and updates, visit: http://www.artistsforconservation.org/festival

About Artists for Conservation

Artists for Conservation (AFC) 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. Dedicated to nurture, promote and leverage its world-class community of artists in support of our natural world, AFC drives its mission through three key programs: Art & Environmental Education; Field Work & Research; and Artist Development. The Artists for Conservation Festival is AFC's annual flagship initiative to showcase, support and further these programs. For more information, visit: www.artistsforconservation.org

About Grouse Mountain Resorts Limited

From sophisticated entertainment to unspoiled nature, Grouse Mountain is British Columbia's finest four-season destination offering experiences to suit every visitor. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, this pristine wilderness attraction features the world-famous Grouse Mountain Skyride (North America's largest aerial tram system) which takes visitors on a one-mile journey to the Alpine Station - a breathtaking 3,700 feet above sea level.

Featuring unparalleled panoramic views of the city, sea and surrounding mountains and a summit altitude of 4,100 feet, Grouse Mountain offers a wide range of year-round outdoor and educational activities along with fine dining options to suit even the most discerning palate. With a long history dating back to Vancouver's earliest days, Grouse Mountain received its name in 1894 when a visiting hiking party encountered a blue grouse bird on the alpine slopes. Today, Grouse Mountain enjoys the status of Vancouver's most-visited attraction welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors each year. For more information, please visit: grousemountain.com