March 5, 2013 – Stonewall, Man. – In celebration of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) 75th anniversary, world-renowned wildlife artist and dedicated conservationist Robert Bateman has been selected as the 2013 Artist of the Year.

As a long-time DUC supporter and lifelong conservationist, Bateman was a natural fit for the role. For 30-plus years he has continually shown his commitment to wetland conservation by providing signed, limited edition prints that have raised funds to conserve Canada’s marshes and ponds.

“We are excited and honoured to have Robert Bateman featured as our Artist of the Year,” said Scott Baker, national manager of retail programs for DUC. “Over the past three decades, Ducks Unlimited Canada has been fortunate to work with such an outstanding nature artist who understands the need to conserve the natural areas that inspire his work. Robert Bateman is a conservationist in every sense of the word, and we applaud him for choosing to pick up a paintbrush and do what he loves as a way to give back to nature.”

Bateman has been a talented and devoted artist and naturalist since his childhood. Today, he is one of the world’s most highly acclaimed artists depicting the natural world. His DUC-exclusive painting, Tranquility, shows a group of pintails and mallards enjoying a relaxing morning in a wetland habitat, and it is just one example of the level of talent and skill that Bateman brings to every piece he paints.

Artists and wetlands have had a long-standing connection. For more than 30 years, nature artists have participated in the National Art Portfolio (NAP) – a unique DUC program designed to present the very best in wildlife art while raising funds that help protect the natural spaces that are crucial to all Canadians. The selected artists have their artwork made into limited edition prints and are given national exposure through DUC fundraising auctions.
Throughout 2013, DUC will celebrate its diamond anniversary. To honour 75 years of conservation excellence, a number of activities and initiatives have been planned, including a series of “gala style” events where Tranquility will be available. Prints are also available through DUC’s Sealed Bid Auction program at over 3,000 locations across Canada. For a complete list of program and artist information, visit ducks.ca/nap.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.

A high-quality image of Bateman’s Tranquility is available. For more information, please contact:
Amanda Hope, a_hope@ducks.ca
Communications Coordinator, Fundraising
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3225