Get ready to be captivated! The Edmonton Valley Zoo is thrilled to announce “Painting for Conservation,” a passion-fueled project spearheaded by our incredibly talented resident artist, Misty Ring. Prepare to be transported as Misty crafts a series of animal paintings throughout the year, each brushstroke a testament to her unwavering dedication to both art and animal conservation. Misty’s artistic expertise paired with her drive for sustainability are the guiding forces behind her immense project.
Misty has an impressive history with art and animals is inspiring: as she shared the story behind her project, she noted the role animal conservation plays in her personal and artistic development.
Her motivation can be traced back to elementary school, when her mother’s job at the Kamloops Wildlife Park provided opportunities to engage closely with wildlife. Misty recalls a specific memory when she was allowed to hand feed an orphaned whitetail deer a bottle of milk. This brief yet significant interaction ignited what has become a flourishing career supportive of animal welfare, where Misty uses her creativity to promote environmental awareness.
On the surface, art and animal conservation are deceivingly separate issues. Art conservation revolves around conserving human-made items, while animal conservation is about the protection of life. However Misty says the mission remains the same: preserving important facets of life for present and future generations.
Seeing art and environmentalism as interconnected subsets of conservation is key to Misty’s project: the value of one is used to promote the other, and their combined presence captivates people. Uniting these passions strengthens the impact of both, and Misty’s unique outlook is what makes her paintings so memorable.
Misty’s relationship with the Edmonton Valley Zoo has deepened over the years. Motivated by her passions for both animal and art conservation, Misty found a middle ground and became a donor for our Conservation Carousel project, sponsoring the bighorn sheep. But her generosity didn’t stop there! She recently renewed her donor status in support of Edmonton Valley Zoo’s newest exhibit, the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat.
Through her donations, Misty has significantly contributed to the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s conservation initiatives and she continues to be a fierce advocate for the protection and conservation of all species. That’s why we are so proud to support Misty’s artistic endeavour, combining the magical interactions of animal lovers with our commitment to education.
Beyond her project’s powerful conservation message, Misty views art as a tool for communication and shares how she hopes to connect to her audience through her craft. Misty describes herself as solution-oriented, preferring to tackle challenges head-on. She notes the language barrier between humans and animals as motivation for her project and wants to position herself as a bridge for communication, sharing messages that emphasise the struggles of each animal she paints. The animals themselves are the centrepiece of Misty’s work, but her subtle inclusion of symbolic details, such as creature diets and habitat materials, powerfully represent the diverse lived experiences of wildlife.
Misty wants her audience to observe with open hearts and minds. She weaves intricate details and layered stories into her work, but ultimately aims to inspire curiosity in the world, both through overt and subtle messages. Misty’s design is intricate and evocative, intertwining her featured animals’ environments and lifestyles to form alluring patterns that ignite the need to learn. Understanding that everyone learns differently, Misty uses her skills to create an alternate artistic path for understanding. She hopes her work will inspire curiosity and action. Just like preventative conservation in art, she wants to bring awareness before there is a problem for those animals that aren’t threatened, vulnerable, or endangered in some way shape or form.
“Painting for Conservation” is a must-see attraction for everyone! If you want to witness an artist in her element, make sure to drop by for a visit in support of the animals you love! For those who love to learn, Misty’s passion for community extends beyond her art – she is currently running a conservation themed book club that promotes environmentally- aware literature! If you’re interested in discovering more about animal conservation and joining a like-minded community, be sure to check it out!