Coldwater artist supports wetland conservation

Artwork selected to join Ducks Unlimited Canada’s prestigious collection
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man. – Derek C. Wicks of Coldwater, Ont. joins some of Canada’s foremost nature artists by donating his artwork to help Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) raise much-needed funds for wetland conservation in 2009.

Wicks has been selected to join DUC’s National Art Portfolio (NAP) program for two of his paintings, Northern Vigil and Winter Barn. Each year, hundreds of artists submit their artwork in hope of being chosen for the NAP. Those who are selected have their artwork made into high-quality prints and are given national exposure through DUC fundraising initiatives. The money raised through the NAP supports DUC’s on-the-ground wetland conservation work, scientific research and education programs.

“The National Art Portfolio is a unique program that not only promotes our country’s outstanding nature artists, but the growing need to conserve the natural areas that inspire their work. The NAP artists are an extremely talented group and their popular prints are powerful fundraising tools for DUC,” says Ken Bailey, DUC director of revenue and membership. “Derek C. Wicks’ paintings, Northern Vigil and Winter Barn are great additions to our 2009 NAP, and I’m sure they will be very successful in helping us raise the money we need to continue our wetland conservation work.”

As early as Wicks can remember, he was interested in the mystique of nature and the beauty of art. In Northern Vigil, Wicks captures the gaze of a majestic white-tailed deer, while Winter Barn tells the story of a snowy, worn barn rich with history. Through his work, Wicks hopes to raise public awareness and emphasize the need to conserve natural resources such as wetlands.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is a national, private, non-profit organization that has been committed to wetland conservation for over 70 years. DUC conserves wetlands and their associated habitat for waterfowl, other wildlife and people. For more than 25 years, artists have donated their artwork to help DUC conserve vanishing wetland habitats. DUC’s spring event fundraising season is now underway and people are encouraged to attend events to see artwork by Wicks and other great Canadian artists. For information on upcoming DUC events in your community, visit www.ducks.ca/event.