Pollyanna Pickering Foundation – 25th Anniversary Exhibition

Visitors will be able to view over fifty original paintings – many of which will be on display to the public for the very first time - in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

The gallery will also be welcoming a very special guest – ‘Longarm’ – a life sized sculpture of a brave and inspirational orang utan. created by the award winning wildlife sculptor Casey Nadine Banwell.

The Foundation established by the award-winning artist who grew up in South Yorkshire is a small but effective non-profit organisation which campaigns internationally to prevent the exploitation of wildlife and raises funds to support animal welfare and conservation projects worldwide.

The Foundation continues in its original aim to help British wildlife in need, and builds pens and aviaries, provides equipment and medical supplies for sanctuaries and wildlife hospitals throughout the UK.However the Foundation’s scope was widened to raise funds for the protection and rescue of wildlife worldwide as well as emergency disaster relief. Funds have been raised to help protect Rhinos in Africa, Wolves in Ethiopia, orphaned polar bears in the arctic, and build a tiger orphanage in Nepal. They have helped to fund construction of enclosures at Born Free’s big cat sanctuaries in South Africa and Ethiopia. Equipment has been purchased for project tiger rangers working in India, and many smaller grants have been made to wildlife and environmental projects.

“It is a honour to continue Pollyanna’s legacy through the Foundation” Anna-Louise told us “Through the funds we raise at the exhibition, alongside our annual prize draws and the talks I give to societies all around the UK we are able to continue our work world-wide – in the past few years we have been helping to protect jaguars in Brazil, Snow Leopards in the Himalayas and Lions in Kenya.”

Two new limited edition prints will be launched at the exhibition. Also on display throughout will be Pollyanna's extensive ranges of books, greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints, and a wide variety of gift ware featuring her work, including brand new card crafting kits as launched live on television! A sneak preview of next year’s charity Christmas cards will also be available. Pollyanna’s daughter Anna-Louise will be in the gallery throughout the exhibition and will be happy to chat to visitors about the artwork, and the inspiration found on their expeditions.

Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to purchase prize draw tickets to win a unique hand embellished picture. Tea and Coffee will be available throughout, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in Pollyanna’s unique gardens – which include life size sculptures of gorillas, giraffes and elephants!

Full details of the exhibition can be found at www.pollyannapickering.co.uk