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In conjunction with the launch
of the Annual AFC Virtual Exhibition and new AFC website Dodge
was also pleased to have had a second painting, "Particularly
Poignant" selected for inclusion in this years exhibition.
In 2009 Dodge was honoured
to be the recipient of the 10th AFC Flag Expedition Fellowship
awarded since the launch of the groundbreaking AFC Flag Expedition
Program in 2005. These fellowships make possible artistic field
research in remote areas of the world with an emphasis on endangered
and vulnerable flora and fauna.
"Wheres Waldo?"
a pastel on archival museum paper depicts 12 Galapagos marine
iguanas and a small ground finch. Galapagos marine iguanas are
the only sea-going lizard in the world. They feed almost entirely
on algae, larger stronger males by diving once a day and smaller
females and juveniles by feeding on exposed reefs close to shore.
They are cold-blooded and must warm by basking in the sun on
the black lava rocks, both before and after feeding trips. A
pleasant past-time for Dodge was observing the many dainty finches
such as this one hopping about taking ticks and mites from the
skin of the gruff marine iguanas. Of the 7 marine iguana populations,
6 are categorized as Vulnerable under the IUCN red list. One
subspecies on San Cristobal and Santiago is classified as Endangered
due to an oil spill in 2000 that caused extensive habitat contamination.
All Galapagos marine iguana populations are susceptible to ongoing
predation by introduced feral cats and dogs.
The Artists for Conservation
mission is to support wildlife and habitat conservation, biodiversity,
sustainability, and environmental education through art that
celebrates our natural heritage. They are the worlds leading
collective of artists celebrating our natural heritage and have
a capped membership of 500 artists spanning 30 countries worldwide.
Their vision is to lead a global artistic movement that inspires
individuals and organizations to preserve and sustain our natural
heritage by uniting the talent and passion of the worlds
most gifted nature artists.
For VIP previewing of the AFC
Art of Conservation 2010 Virtual Exhibition visit www.artistsforconservation.org and to view
Kelly's expedition blog visit www.natureartists.com/dodgek.htm
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