In June 2017, Montana artist Rocky Hawkins will exhibit a new body of work in a painting series entitled “Uproar” involving the awareness and protection of endangered species and threatened animals.  Each piece is portrayed in an uplifting manner with a sense of positive hope for all creatures.

Although the subject matter is a departure from his former work, Rocky always begins his paintings with “automatism,” that is, drawing or painting in the subconscious with no preconceived subject or composition in mind.  He uses his innate passion for abstraction with fragmented strokes and unrestrained color resulting in a glimpse of what might be.  Rocky’s early education in commercial art and schooling from realist painters have given him the creative ability to weave in partial realism when he feels it adds to the particular painting.

“Uproar” will be exhibited starting June 9 through the first week in July at Visions West Contemporary in downtown Bozeman, Montana.  During this time partial proceeds of sales will be donated to two outstanding wildlife conservation organizations in Zambia, in southern Africa:

Zambian Carnivore Programme

http://www.zambiacarnivores.org

Conservation South Luangwa

http://cslzambia.org

The Zambian Carnivore Programme is directed by Dr. Matthew Becker, a long-time resident of Bozeman, Montana.  Matthew received his Bachelor’s degree at UW-Madison and then his PhD in Wildlife Ecology at MSU-Bozeman.  Matt’s father, Professor Mike Becker, taught English literature at MSU from 1974 until his retirement in 1997.  Matt’s mother, Stephanie, also worked at MSU as Assistant Director of International Programs before her retirement in 1999.  The Beckers are close friends and neighbors of Rocky and his wife Kat and quite often share Matt’s adventures and projects with them.  Rachel McRobb, CEO of Conservation South Luangwa, works with the preservation of elephants and is a close friend of Matt and the Beckers.  Because of these connections Rocky feels compelled to support these two organizations that work tirelessly on a limited budget making a difference in the preservation of the threatened animal world.