SWLA Residency sponsorship

The Society of Wildlife Artists' (SWLA) national residential project in Northumberland looked threatened when the original sponsor, Natural England, withdrew funding. However, the residency, which is the first project carried out in this region by the London-based organisation, has been saved after Tricia stepped in to provide the necessary sponsorship. Among the artists taking part in the Seahouses based event is the SWLA president, Harriet Mead, who was interviewed recently on the Radio 4 "Midweek" programme, hosted by Libby Purves.

The results of the residency together with works by other SWLA artists was on display at an exhibition at fifiefofum gallery, near Corbridge, until the end of December 2010. The gallery's owner, Sue Moffit, was interviewed for an article in the Journal on 22nd September and explained that, as well as the public having an opportunity to see the results of the project during the exhibition, some works would be donated for auction at this year's Hexham Abbey Gala Dinner, another event close to Tricia's heart.

Pictures of the Seahouses Residency

Cheque Presentation	The Artist Group with Tricia	One of the results

Patricia handed over the £1,000 sponsorship cheque to the Reverend Jane Wood, who is responsible for Seahouses Youth hostel where the Residency was based. She also met with the artists and talked to them about their work and their interest in issues relating to wildlife and protecting endangered species.

“Without Patricia Arnold's generous support, this opportunity would have never happened,” said SWLA President Harriet Mead. “It has enabled a group of professional national and international artists to work together in this area of outstanding natural beauty, and to highlight the diverse variety of wildlife that exists here.  This is the first time that SWLA as a group have visited Northumberland to work on location and to experience the dramatic scenery and wildlife along this coastline."

Patricia herself was delighted the SWLA had chosen Northumberland as a platform for inspiration and that her company was able to assist with their Residency. “To have a role in creating opportunities for artists is important to us, and to help local people see the work of some of the country’s leading wildlife artists. It has also supported Hexham Abbey’s Heritage Fund, as a number of the paintings were donated to be auctioned at their annual Gala Dinner and has made a contribution to people’s understanding and interest in our unique wildlife and their habitats.”