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Calgary artist named Ducks Unlimited Canada's Artist of the Year for 2010
Artwork raises much-needed money for wetland conservation
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., February 25, 2010 — Darren Haley of Calgary, Alta., has been selected as Ducks Unlimited Canada's 2010 National Artist of the Year for his painting, The New West. This is the second consecutive year Haley has received this honour. Haley joins some of Canada's foremost nature artists by donating his artwork to help Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) raise much-needed funds for wetland conservation in 2010.
Of the hundreds of artists who submit their artwork in hope of being chosen for DUC's National Art Portfolio (NAP), only one is selected as the National Artist of the Year. The selected NAP artists have their artwork made into high-quality prints and are given national exposure through DUC fundraising initiatives. The money raised through the NAP supports DUC's on-the-ground wetland conservation work, scientific research and education programs.
“DUC is fortunate to have a long and illustrious relationship with some of Canada’s most talented nature artists.
By submitting their work to the National Art Portfolio, these artists are making a real difference on the landscape and are helping to ensure the future of the areas that inspire their work,” says Ken Bailey, DUC’s National Director of Fundraising. “As National Artist of the Year, Darren Haley’s painting, The New West, is a great addition to our 2010 NAP, and I'm sure it will be very successful in helping us to raise the money we need to continue our wetland conservation work."
Haley is an internationally shown artist who spends hours observing the habitat and behaviour of his wildlife subjects. This commitment to capturing wildlife in its natural state is apparent in the fine details of The New West, where a ferruginous hawk surveys an early spring prairie landscape. Through his work, Haley hopes to raise public awareness and emphasize the need to conserve natural resources such as wetlands.
Ducks Unlimited Canada is a national, private, non-profit organization that has been committed to wetland conservation for over 70 years. DUC conserves wetlands and their associated habitat for waterfowl, other wildlife and people. For more than 25 years, artists have donated their artwork to help DUC conserve vanishing wetland habitats. DUC’s event fundraising season is now underway and people are encouraged to attend events to see artwork by Haley and other great Canadian artists. For information on upcoming DUC events in your community, visit www.ducks.ca/event.
A high-quality image of Darren Haley’s artwork is available. For more information, please contact:
Ashley Lewis, a_lewis@ducks.ca
Communications Coordinator, Fundraising
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3252
