Renowned artist Robert Bateman returns to his roots for exhibit in Algonquin Park

Acclaimed wildlife artist Robert Bateman is returning to Algonquin Park to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (AWRS) at a special fundraiser and art exhibit hosted by the Algonquin Art Centre. Bateman will be the keynote speaker at the sold-out fundraiser and will be receiving the Algonquin Art Centre’s Legacy Award, honouring his outstanding contributions to art and conservation.

Bateman has very special ties to Algonquin Park. He first discovered Algonquin in 1939, when his family spent their summer vacation in Haliburton County. Although a young boy at the time, the park had an immediate impact on his imagination and his love for the outdoors.

At 17 years of age, Bateman took a job at the AWRS, a pioneering research facility located just north of Lake of Two Rivers. Although he describes his job there as unsavory “grunt work”, repairing roads, dishwashing, etc., he also acknowledges the formative influence it would have on him both as an artist and naturalist.

The young Bateman took full advantage of his time there, assisting researchers in their field work—such as small mammal trapping, parasite collections, and the bird population census—all while honing his abilities as an artist, sketching the various landscapes and wildlife he would encounter. Bateman’s experiences in Algonquin Park and the research station would have a lasting influence over the lucrative career that was to follow.

Above left: Robert Bateman painting at the AWRS 2, circa 1949 (Algonquin Park Museum Number 6219)
Above right: Robert Bateman at Green Mountain, BC, 1999 (Photo by Birgit Freybe Bateman)

Bateman would go on to become one Canada’s most celebrated wildlife artists and naturalists. He is the subject of several films, books, and television programs, was awarded the Officer of the Order of Canada, has received 14 honorary doctorates, and was recognized by the Audubon Society as one of the 20^th century’s “heroes of conservation.” His artwork has raised millions in support of conservation efforts, and his legacy has inspired new generations to follow in his path, exploring the natural world with a scientist’s precision, an artist’s imagination, and a child’s curiosity.

In 2012, he founded the Bateman Foundation in Victoria, B.C., a non-profit organization dedicated to building relations between people and the natural world through art and education.

The Algonquin Art Centre and AWRS will be honouring Robert Bateman for these outstanding accomplishments at the tribute show and fundraiser event. Although tickets for the fundraiser, An Evening with Robert Bateman, sold out almost instantly, the Art Centre invites all interested to come check out the featured exhibit, A Tribute to Robert Bateman, on display at the Algonquin Art Centre from September 1 to October 20. Admission is voluntary, but a valid park permit is required.

For more information about this and other events at the Algonquin Art Centre, please visit algonquinartcentre.com, call 705-633-5555, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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