The twelfth annual Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival, one of the premier wildlife and sporting art festivals in the country, will showcase the work of over 60 renowned wildlife artists, including sculptors, painters, carvers, master crafters, jewelers and photographers this November 16-18 at the Thomasville Cultural Arts Center.
Featured Artists Thomas Brooks and Ronnie Wells have been selected to headline the 2007 Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival, hailing from Lakeland, Florida and Salado, Texas, respectively.
A gifted painter who tries to portray the spirit and mood of a subject while achieving authenticity through value and color, Thomas Brooks has appeared in various magazines, re-ceived acclaim for a piece selected as the Florida Conservation Print of the Year, and his work has been chosen for several state conservation stamps.
Ronnie Wells, a full-time professional artist for more than 20 years, was named Sculptor of the Year for Wildlife Exposition in both South Carolina and Illinois. He has won numerous Best of Show awards and his seven foot bronze sculpture of mallard ducks was installed at the national headquarters of Ducks Unlimited in 2001.
In addition to the exhibition and sale of a stunning body of work by distinguished artists from across the United States and Canada, the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival features sporting events and nature habitats, including agility and field trial dog demonstrations, the Naturehood with a living butterfly environment and a fossil dig, the Wild Discovery Center, live animal encounters and other fun-for-the- family elements.
"The Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival continues to grow and evolve as one of the most prestigious art celebrations in the country," said Tarleton Adams, Director of the Festival. "Last year we were thrilled to welcome a record number of guests, not only in the spirit of the wonderful tradition the Festival has become, but also for the contribution our guests help us make to the City of Thomasville through the financial support of its arts and education programs. We are really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish with a great twelfth season!"
Community underwriting conducted in tandem to the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival will once again raise funds this year to benefit the arts and educational programs of the Thomasville Cultural Center.
Following a special preview party for underwriters and patrons Friday, November 16, the Festival welcomes the public Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available to adults for $10, and children ages 5-11 for $5, and include weekend admission to the Pebble Hill Plantation. Little ones under the age of 4 are admitted without charge.
Hosted by the Thomasville Cultural Center on East Jackson Street in Thomasville, Georgia, the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival can be reached by phone at 229-226-0588, by e-mail at pwaf@rose.net, or online at www.pwaf.org.
