Lesley Smitheringale Fine Art

Wildlife Festival 2008 at Beaudesert

I did something that I’ve never done before as an artist and that was to set up a stall.  I was one of several artists whose work was on display for sale at the very first Wildlife Festival held at the Beaudesert Information and Arts Centre.

Prior to the Festival I had been busy preparing my photographic products including matted prints, mounted prints, cards, keyings and fridge magnets.  I was a little bit nervous when I arrived at the venue and saw the artists and other displays being set up as this was a new experience for me.  I was allocated a spot under the verandah outside the little cafe so I began to unload the car and set up my little art stall.

As the day progressed I got chatting to the other artists who were a fantastic group of people and extremely obliging and friendly and it was wonderful to see their work and share our art experiences. Some of the artists were actually working on paintings at their stalls. Lots of things were happening throughout the day at the Festival including live animal displays and talks on local wildlife behaviour and ecology.

There was a surprise visit by Steve Parish, Australia’s best known wildlife photographer and publisher who was doing book signing so I wandered over to his tent and he signed a book which I purchased on Parrots. I told him I was a photographer also and that I would love him to visit my stall and give me a few tips which he kindly did.  I was very encouraged when he said my work was lovely and he liked the rain drops on my birds.  A few of the other artists then came along to chat and we asked Steve for advice on marketing our work and he shared some of his experiences with us which was fantastic.

Steve Parish Book Signing

A thoroughly enjoyable day and I chatted to so many people who were keen photographers and artists and others who were wildlife carers and we all had one thing in common which is a love for Native Wildlife. Oh and I did make a few sales which was very rewarding also.