by Monika Blichar
Interviewing people in the Genesis G-80 the last couple of weeks has been incredible. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn more about the people who are participating in Art World Expo more, I also enjoyed riding around in a sweet luxury ride for two weeks! Boy did heads turn-people just seem to love the look of this car and haven’t been afraid to ask questions about what it is! It’s been really great and not just because of the whole new luxury car thing, it’s been really special because of the relationships that these video interviews have nurtured.
Today I caught up with Sarah, Lynn and Aidan who have been painting in my studio for a few years. During the spring last year, Sarah brought in an image of Pampadour from the Vancouver Zoo. I investigated a little more and found the original article from The Province which is headlined “The Fight Against Animal Extinction”. Though the argument to have or not to have zoos has been a hot topic for many years, the article explains that habitat loss and population decline have placed giraffes as ‘vulnerable’ on the International Union for the Conservation of the Nature’s (IUCN) official watch list.
This year, our event theme is “Eco-Sustainability” is at the forefront of our efforts to raise awareness for our environment and nature through the arts. As mentioned earlier, Sarah has been painting in our space for a few years now and I have always known her to paint meaningful works. Animals have been mostly what she has worked on with us. Together, we are going to host a painting party in the summer hopefully at the zoo as well as sell some merchandise featuring Pampadour. Proceeds will not only support conservation efforts via the zoo but also support a local artist with a vision and message about supporting wildlife and animals. Check out the latest Artists in Cars video to hear more from her as well as Lynn and Aidan who also paint with us and who are as equally as talented and supportive of each other’s works.
To help support Pampadour, order a card featuring Sarah’s painting via our boutique website here. You can also order capris and a beanie too! To be placed on our Pampadour Painting Party wait list, please register to be notified here.
To learn more about the Greater Vancouver Conservation efforts visit their website. To learn more about the Genesis G-80, get in touch with our Genesis Experience Manager Jennifer Friesen. Thank you to Project Her for supporting this project. Tickets to the 8th annual Art World Expo are available here. Be sure to attend and dress in Eco-Friendly attire or makeyour own upcycled outfit!