1-week countdown: AFC Festival opens November 5!

It's time to plan your next weekend! The Artists for Conservation Festival starts in just one week, and there are lots of exciting activities for nature enthusiasts, families and art connoisseurs alike.

With presenting artists coming from as far afield as Kenya and the Cayman Islands, this year's ten-day festival is not to be missed.

The event kicks off November 5 with a keynote speech by Robert Bateman, book signing and opportunity to meet some of the world's top nature and wildlife artists in person. Also featured is the world premiere screening of How an Artist Saved the Mountain Gorilla, an AFC Festival exclusive. Shortly after the film, marine conservationist and Conservation Artist of the Year award winner, Guy Harvey, will be giving a presentation.

While we are definitely excited about the artist presentations and film screenings, we are also thrilled for the unveiling of the 2011 Artists for ConservationFestival Exhibit - the world's premiere conservation-themed art exhibit. Featuring over 50 international nature and wildlife artists, this show is something to look forward to. This is a great opportunity to see the work of some truly amazing international artists, and learn about the most pressing conservation issues of our time.

If you haven't already done so, head over to the festival schedule page to get the full rundown of this year's events. If you can't make it to the premiere screening of How an Artist Saved the Mountain Gorilla on opening day, there will be several screenings over the course of the festival week. Watch the trailer below!

The AFC Festival at Grouse Mountain is the place to be November 5 to 13. Come and Experience the Art of Conservation with us!

Remember that even though the exhibit is free, Grouse Mountain Skyride admissions still apply.