Art and birds seem to go together – in my mind, anyway. What could be more inspiring than the shape of a hawk’s wing, the iridescence of feathers on a hummingbird, the graceful neck of an egret, the steady flight of a heron? Not to mention the colors of our migratory birds, such as the fluttering “Butterfly Bird,” the American Redstart. Birds are works of art in themselves!
Now BirdsCaribbean has an exciting fundraiser for art lovers and bird lovers alike. It’s an online auction, which is taking place THIS week (it closes on Sunday, May 12). So hurry and place your bids! It’s in a very good Caribbean cause.
Saint Lucian Artists Create Online Auction to Save Imperiled Caribbean Birds
Between May 3 and May 12, 2019, the public can bid on gorgeous art online and the funds raised will protect some of the most critically endangered species in the Caribbean. Three Saint Lucia artists, Chris Cox, Donna Grandin, and Daniel Jean-Baptiste, wanted to help these amazing birds and decided to raise funds to support the recovery of the region’s highly endangered endemic birds, by donating their work for an online auction.
BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, Lisa Sorenson, stated, “Art lovers and bird lovers alike can place their bids on one or all of the paintings. It’s simple! The deadline is Sunday, May 12 at 5 PM EDT. The auction site is at https://www.32auctions.com/SaveCaribbeanBirds. Place your bid today and support our marvelous Caribbean birds and the places where they live and thrive.”
Chris Cox, who works for the United Nations Environment Program, began the effort by donating his painting of a pair of Dominica’s magnificent Imperial Parrots in their mountainous home. They are the island’s national bird, also called the Sisserou. The oil painting on canvas is entitled Imperials of Waitukabuli – Imperial Parrots.
Cox was joined by batik artist Daniel Jean-Baptiste, who paints on silk. His glowing painting Mango Delight is hand painted with Sumi hair brushes and evokes a feeling of joy and movement. Jean-Baptiste’s paintings are in the private art collections of celebrities such as singer Paul Simon, U.S. President Bill Clinton, and others.
Donna Grandin also responded to Cox’s call to help raise funds for the birds. Her acrylic painting Pondlife with Snowy Egrets is an enchanting work that would add grace and color to any home.
Birds have always inspired art. Caribbean birds, with their diversity, color, and character, have always fueled the creativity of artists in the region. Our brilliant parrots and elegant egrets are a part of the Caribbean psyche but many Caribbean birds are in trouble. The 172 endemic species found nowhere else in the world are at greatest risk. Commercial development and the clearing of habitats are major threats. So are hunting, poaching, and pollution. Drought and destructive storms produced by our changing climate are also threats.
“100% of the funds raised from the auction will go towards work to conserve endangered Caribbean birds,” added Sorenson. “If you are not able to bid on a painting, donations are also welcome and will help us achieve our conservation goals.”
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About BirdsCaribbean
BirdsCaribbean is a vibrant international network of members and partners committed to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats. We raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. We are a non-profit (501 (c) 3) membership organization. More than 100,000 people participate in our programmes each year, making BirdsCaribbean the most broad-based conservation organization in the region. You can learn more about us, our work, and how to join at http://www.birdscaribbean.org.
Petchary's Blog 
Good thing I have the option of loading pages to read off line at home. Now in the cyber, Ricky Martin is singing at top volume via a video played by the owner of the cyber! I can barely think much less read or write!
This looks lovely, and it will be nice to read and view in the blissful silence of home later today!
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Oh my goodness, ha ha ha!! A little distracting! (I rather like Ricky Martin, but one can have too much of a good thing!)
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I’m back today – negating what I do to be kind to our planet by driving two days in the row to the cyber (20 minutes).. it’s quiet here this morning. ahhhh.
Seeing the art was lovely at home, three totally different styles, but what is most important is that they are actively trying to help… Maybe we can shoot for a year from now that I visit, bring bird art, contribute and perhaps show my work/donate a painting or bully lots more artists to do this … let’s let this incubate, and yes, discuss it with your birding friends!
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Yes – that is the main thing, and this was the artists’ initiative. It’s a really positive and happy move. Yes, I love this idea of incubating the art and making it a part of who we are and what we do in the conservation fight. I like it very much. I am planning/hoping to attend the BirdsCaribbean Conference in Guadeloupe in July, and will definitely talk to my colleagues in the media group and others about it. BC covers every Caribbean island, including the rather far-flung Bermuda (but not the mainland countries).
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