Artists taking part include Archibald finalist Abbey McCulloch, Metro 5 winner Fergus Binns and favourites Ralph Wilson and Peter Anderson.

Now in its third year, Art for Sharks is the Australian Marine Conservation Society's much anticipated annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the auction will go towards the marine charity's campaign to create the world's biggest marine park in the Coral Sea, one of the last places on Earth with healthy populations of big fish such as tuna, marlin and sharks.

Art for Sharks curator KP Neilson said today, "Australia's artists have come together to paint a picture of our oceans in trouble. I am blown away by the generosity of the artists - whether emerging or well established - they were only too happy to donate their art to help protect our misunderstood and threatened sharks."

"Many of the artists made pieces specifically for the show, such as hot young art star Abbey McCulloch who has painted a kind of 'sharkmaid', her familiar muse of woman with a Hammerhead shark's body. Another gorgeous piece is the scuba tank etched with sharks by Jane James. It seems that even though they might frighten us, sharks inspire creativity, passion and commitment," said Neilson.

The Coral Sea is a unique part of the Pacific and a historical treasure, lying adjacent and seaward of the Great Barrier Reef. It is a much needed refuge for our sharks. Globally over 270,000 sharks are caught every day, pushing many species to the edge of extinction.

The proposed Australian Coral Sea Heritage Park would be a highly protected, safe haven for sharks and other threatened species that are rapidly declining around the world.

An investment in Art and our Oceans

As well as supporting shark conservation, the auction is a fantastic opportunity for collectors and novices alike to secure works from established and emerging stars of the Australian art market, with artworks in a variety of mediums including painting, photography and sculpture (ranging from $200 to $10,000 in value).

Art open to public one week prior to Auction

Artworks will be on display at the Bleeding Heart Cafe Gallery from Monday 21st to Friday 25th Sept (7-4pm each day), with the auction and gala event on Friday 25th September 6-9:30pm.

Guest Speakers The Hon Kate Jones, Qld. Minister for Sustainability and Innovation will give the welcoming address and introduce Prof Hugh Possingham from the University of Queensland's Ecology Centre, who will speak on the importance of sharks and the Coral Sea.

Details
When:    Friday 25th September (6pm - 9:30pm)
Where:    Bleeding Heart Gallery * 166 Ann St Brisbane
Tickets:   $60, includes canapes, drinks and entertainment
Dress:    snappy
All tickets pre-purchased. Limited tickets available.

To view art visit http://www.marineconservation.org.au 

The full list of artists
Craig Addley, Peter Anderson, Fergus Binns, Cash Brown, Robert Brownhall, Rachael Bruhn, Nichola Burke, Sally Duhig, Robbie Eggleston, Dave Groom, Amanda Hills, Jane James, Cath Lakshman, Roger Lane , Amanda Marburg , Lucia Masciullo , Abbey McCulloch, Fiona McMonagle, Tim McMonagle , Mel McRae , Sally McRae , Mali Moir , Aengus Moran , Anton Neilson , KP Neilson, Nick Olsen, Dailan Pugh, Lisa Radford , David Ralph , Philippa Robert, Kate Rohde, Hannah Seward, Tane Sinclair-Taylor, Natalie Starr-Thomas, Jennifer Stuerzl, Kim Toft , Pam Walpole, Kim Wilson , Ralph Wilson, Mina Young.

 

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