Watch master artists at work demonstrate their techniques and learn about art and their conservation work.
Also enjoy daily visits with birds of prey from Delta's O.W.L. Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society and Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program.
Each day during the AFC Festival between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm, a selection of the following artists will be demonstrating their artistic techniques in painting, carving and sculpture during the festival:
2019 Master International Artists
Patricia Banks
Best known for her detailed oil and acrylic paintings, Patricia travels widely and is inspired by the splendor of the natural environment. She has exhibited across North America, and has won several awards for her work.
Alejandro Bertolo
Alejandro developed a personal painting style, having studied classical Japanese painting and calligraphy. He paints wildlife, particularly those species threatened with extinction in their natural habitats.
Vicky Earle
Nature at its core evokes hope and renewal. Vicky’s work invites people to slow down, look a little closer, and be surprised by the nature all around us.
James Harry
James Harry (Nexw kalus) is a contemporary sculptor and painter focusing in aboriginal artwork. He is from the Squamish Nation (Skwxwú7mesh) and of European decent.
Denis Mayer Jr.
Denis has earned international acclaim for his unique style of wildlife painting that offers not only remarkably realistic representations but also images infused with energy, vitality and warmth. Ken Nash Inspired by nature, Ken started painting at eight years old. His work can now be described in the genre of photorealism and is an excellent conduit to reflect the beauty of the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada, and other parts of the world.
Edward Spera
Internationally acclaimed artist, Edward Spera’s, creations are inspired from his travels across the globe. Through his art, Ed hopes to convey the incredible beauty of the creatures that share this world with us.
Tammy Taylor
Inspired by the beauty of all God’s creations, Tammy strives to create lifelike renditions of her subjects in nature. For over twenty years she has been creating beautiful artwork in both oils and pencil.
Chirag Thumbar
Chirag regularly donates his work for conservation in India and encourages youth in surrounding villages of the protected areas to appreciate the nature and utilize their artistic skill to generate revenue.
Kim Toft
Kim has been painting on silk for over 25 years and her unique style is the highlight of her environmental children’s books which are sold worldwide. Her work reflects the beauty of the underwater world and the coastal habitats which support it.
Joyce Trygg
Joyce’s paintings reflect her love and empathy for domestic animals and the awe of the magnificent wildlife she feels privileged to see. In 2010, Joyce was selected as the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Artist of the Year.
Géry van der Kelen
Géry’s sense of observation, the caresses of the shades and the light wandering in the under story, glorified by numerous layers of successive glazes, as well as the dynamism of the elements of nature, lead his art to the ceaseless research for precision.
Gregory Wellman
Internationally renowned and dedicated to conserving wildlife, Gregory paints wildlife, landscape and portraiture in oils, watercolor, pastels and acrylic.
Xwalacktun
Xwa-lack-tun (aka Rick Harry) gained his skills and education from Emily Carr College of Art and Capilano College. He received the Order of British Columbia in recognition of his work as an artist.
Birds of Prey
Three organizations will be participating directly in the 2018 Festival with live birds of prey and their dedicated handlers - namely Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, OWL (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) and the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program. Find out more at www.owlrehab.org and www.nsobreedingprogram.com.



2018 Master International Artists (Past)
- Patricia Banks
- Cindy Billingsley
- Alejandro Bertolo
- Suzanne Barrett Justis
- Guy Combes
- Terry Isaac
- Rachel Ivanyi
- James Harry
- Neil Hamelin
- David Kitler
- Sandi Lear
- Mary Jane Jessen
- Kim Middleton
- Tammy Taylor
- Joyce Trygg
- Gregory Wellman
- Terry Woodall
- Dongguang Zhang
- Xwalacktun