A commentary by the chair of the Bateman Foundation.
I know many in our community were sad to hear of the closing of the Bateman Gallery in early 2023. There were no people more disappointed than the amazing staff and volunteers and our wonderful board.
Having a permanent facility to showcase not only Robert Bateman’s works and philosophy but also to promote new artists, was something we were all proud to do for almost 10 years.
As Bateman is a world-renowned wildlife artist, educator, and environmentalist, we feel it is important for us to do what is necessary to continue his legacy. Even at 94, he is still painting, although not as much.
One of the first steps was to find a partner to take on the NatureSketch program. This award-winning educational series connects art with nature, and we found the perfect organization in the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
This will allow the program to grow across all of sa国际传媒 and help so many children and adults to learn about the benefits of this amazing combination. There is not a better way to promote Bateman’s philosophy.
The foundation owned valuable original art works which were donated to other public galleries; one piece named Topi was donated to Penticton Art Gallery.
It was under the leadership of their curator, Paul Crawford, that a new exhibit entitled Unexpected Bateman was created.
This retrospective exhibition features more than 90 original paintings and drawings spanning 80 years, many never seen before, from the family’s personal collection.
The exhibition opened on July 5. Due to high interest, the exhibition was extended to the end of October. We are also excited to announce that this has become a travelling exhibit with the next stop on Salt Spring Island in the spring.
Also in 2025, The Art of Adventure, a new feature documentary, will be released about Bateman and Dr. Bristol Foster.
They have been lifelong friends and of all of us cannot wait to see Alison Reid’s new film portraying their time researching in Ungava, travelling around the world for 14 months in 1957-1958 in a Land Rover they named Grizzly Torque, and exploring sa国际传媒
Reid is an award-winning director, who produced The Woman Who Loved Giraffes, about Dr. Anne Dagg and her life as a biologist.
Bateman’s studio regularly gets correspondence from people who express appreciation for the work he does on behalf of the planet, and for enriching their lives with his art.
His Facebook page has 60,000 followers. Those who know Bateman know that giving back is as important to him as it is to his wife, Birgit.
There are many of his art pieces that have helped organizations and environmental causes around the world to raise funds. Besides donating through his art, he donates his time and his wisdom.
In keeping with his and the family’s philanthropic commitment, our large print collection is being marketed to support charities in sa国际传媒
With the help of The Steffich Gallery on Salt Spring, we will announce in the coming year a program where all net proceeds will support organizations in need.
We are all proud to keep Bateman’s legacy growing.
As Robert often says, nature is magic.
