The Marwell International Wildlife Art Society (MIWAS), originally founded in January 1999 by acclaimed wildlife artist Pip McGarry, grew to become Europe’s largest wildlife art society.
At its peak, it boasted more than 300 members and hosted a major annual art exhibition at Marwell Hall before closing down 10 years ago due to the increasing workload.
Now, MIWAS is back, and is already planning its first exhibition next month.
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The first MIWAS annual exhibition since the relaunch is set to take place from May 23 to May 26.
Readers who are interested in joining the society can find more information at www.themiwas.com.
Over its 16-year tenure, MIWAS welcomed more than 1,000 artists and played a significant role in the BBC’s ‘Wildlife Artist of the Year’ competition, offering winners a free two-week safari to Botswana with Pip McGarry himself.
The society also organised workshops, exhibitions, and trips to renowned wildlife establishments, including Berlin Zoo, Port Lympne Zoo, and Chester Zoo, while publishing a twice-yearly full colour magazine.
Marwell’s new CEO Laura Read was instrumental in restarting the group, which has had huge interest from the wildlife art community, including many previous members.
Laura Read was previously the CEO of the West Quay Centre in Southampton and since joining Marwell Wildlife, has outlined plans for an onsite gallery and workshop area in the old Bathouse quarters within the zoo’s 140-acre grounds.
Artist Jamie Sinclair will be taking on the role of Chairman of MIWAS, with previous MIWAS member Colin Speed as his Deputy, while Pip will be taking on an advisory role as President of the group.
