Robert Bateman shows off his latest painting of a bald eagle on the coast of Haida Gwaii (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

WILDLIFE ART EXHIBIT

World famous B.C. artist Robert Bateman in Kamloops tonight for art exhibit

Nov 7, 2019 | 5:14 PM

KAMLOOPS — World famous wildlife painter Robert Bateman is in Kamloops tonight (Nov. 7) for an event, with portions of the proceeds going to support the B.C. Wildlife Park.

The free event is being hosted at the Sandman Signature hotel by The Horse Barn, which has a number of Bateman’s works of art on display, as well as his books.

Bateman himself will be giving a talk about his works and also signing autographs. His art will be for sale and 10 per cent of the proceeds will go to the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops.

“They’ve been long supporters of our store and we’ve supported them for a long time,” said owner of The Horse Barn, Tom Goode. “It’s great having them involved tonight. They’re going to bring a few owls and stuff. So a portion of the proceeds tonight will go towards the wildlife park, which is great in the community.”

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Bateman, who resides on Salt Spring Island, has visited Kamloops a few times. He remembers spotting California bighorn sheep in the area and has painted a few in his days. He also remembers visiting the wildlife park years ago.

“I’d make sure I stopped off at whatever wildlife parks were going at the time. I haven’t been to this one in the last few years. But wildlife parks are, even though people have different views about animals being in captivity, I think they raise people’s consciousness to appreciate the animals and care about them,” Bateman told CFJC Today before the show.

Image Credit: CFJC Today

Bateman has been painting full-time since 1976 after spending two decades as an art and geography teacher. Millions of dollars have been raised for environmental causes thanks to Bateman’s work.

In 1999, the Audubon Society of Canada declared him as one of the top 100 environment proponents of the 20th Century.

“I think things, in spite of problems with the world, are getting better because of people’s consciousness,” he said. “I think, although that’s not why I paint, but I hope people who appreciate my painting will appreciate protecting [the environment].”