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BURBANK : Artists Form Group to Promote Wildlife

The Southern California Wildlife Artists Assn., a new group headed by a Granada Hills management consultant, aims to use art to promote ideas about nature and conservation.

“The artwork communicates in a positive fashion because the longer you own it, the more attached you become to it,” said Larry Waggoner, president of the group.

Waggoner and members of the association are wildlife artists who are involved with conservation and environmental issues. They are holding their first art show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank on Saturday and Sunday.

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Waggoner said he believes that wildlife art increases people’s appreciation for nature. “It’s difficult to buy a picture of a gorilla without wondering where the gorilla lives and wanting to know more,” he said.

The group was created at the end of last year when several wildlife artists met at a San Bernardino art show. It now includes 70 members, including a few from Northern California and Alaska.

Proceeds from the show will go to the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Pacific Wildlife Project and the Wildlife Waystation.

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The Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest rescues ill and injured animals and brings them back to health before returning them to the wild. A fox, a raccoon, owls, and maybe even a snake from the station will be on hand at the art show, said Jan Brown, spokeswoman for the station.

The art show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3.

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