News
Blue Planet II inspired art will help raise funds for UK seas
Dunblane artist, Jeremy Wyatt, will support the Marine Conversation Society through artwork sales
An artist, whose latest exhibition has been inspired by the sea, says he’ll be giving half the proceeds from the sale of one of his paintings to the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Originally from Barry, Wales, Jeremy Wyatt grew up with an ocean view. He relocated to Scotland in 2010 and has settled in Dunblane where he lives with his wife, Lucia, who is a Sea Champion volunteer for MCS.
Jeremy is currently showing his exhibition ‘Beneath Sky and Sea’ at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling (until 30th March). All the work in the collection was inspired by the BBC Blue Planet II series which drew the public’s attention to the massive issue of plastic pollution in our seas.
Jeremy says: “Like so many people, we were inspired to step up our efforts for MCS after watching Blue Planet II and we hope the proceeds of this statement artwork called “sinking feeling….” will boost their campaign funding. If just one more Sea Champion emerges from our contribution, we will be lifted up! One by one we can all make a difference united in our desire to clean up our oceans for the benefit of all creatures on earth.”
Jeremy, who has been selling his art since the 1980’s, works mainly in acrylics and ‘sinking feeling’ is a fabulous example of how his imagination works from realism through to quirky surrealism. The painting depicts a range of different fish, within a porthole frame, floundering at the bottom of a polluted ocean. A puffin swims above the drama almost calling for help for its fellow creatures.
Tara Proud, MCS Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager, Scotland says: “MCS is extremely grateful to Jeremy for kindly donating the proceeds of his wonderful painting to support the vital work we do. The time to save our oceans is now and so we’re grateful for support we receive like this which has been inspired by one of the most iconic programme of recent years. Jeremy’s art is vibrant and colourful – which is how we’d like our oceans to remain – but if we continue to abuse the sea by polluting it and overfishing then it’s future is thrown into doubt.”
Beneath Sky and Sea’ is currently showing at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling until March 30th.
For more information about the Marine Conservation Society visit their website by clicking here.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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