This piece was published before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Spending much of his life in the recently fire and drought-affected areas of the Snowy Mountains and New South Wales, AJ Watling, like all Australians, was affected deeply by the plight of our country, people and devastated wildlife.
When approached by Gold Coast artist Simon Critchell with the painting Phoenix, a representation of the crisis and the positivity for rebirth and a hopeful future, the Watling Art Gallery and Simon teamed up to create this upcoming event.
A number of artworks will be auctioned off with 100 per cent of the funds going to the major ongoing efforts in treating the badly injured and sick Australian wildlife devastated by fire and drought.
Art © Simon Critchell
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital will be a major recipient of funds raised as one of the leading providers of treatment and support for Australia's injured and sick native wildlife. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is one of the world's largest animal hospitals.
The gallery will be organising other efforts with this ticketed event to raise as much as possible for this important cause.
The musical acts include Pepper Jane, classical acts and the blues stylings of Burleigh's Surf Dogs.
