Name: Beverley J Irwin

Background: Born in Toowoomba but spent my formative years in Talwood, South-Western Queensland, where I was greatly influenced by the natural environment.

Career: Professional artist since 1993.

Exhibitions: Exhibited widely throughout Queensland and Interstate. I have also been part of group exhibitions in Germany, United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Major Awards:
2009 :: One of only seven Australian artists whose work was selected to hang in the exhibition “Focus on Nature” at the New York State Museum from April 29 – October 31,
2010.
2007 :: Silver Award (other Media) :: Wildlife Art @ Discovery Canberra
2002 :: Best Botanical :: Queensland Wildlife Society
2002 :: Best Watercolour :: Queensland Wildlife Society
2001 :: Best Mixed Media :: Wildlife Art Society of Australasia
2001 :: Best Botanical :: International Wildlife Exhibition
1999 :: Best Native Flora :: Botanical Art Society of Australia
1998 :: Best Flora Any Medium :: Queensland Wildlife Art Society

Biography: I studied Art at Secondary school, drama at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, and later acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Queensland in Language and Literature. I am passionate about my art and the environment, and have therefore chosen Wildlife and Botanical Art as my subject. We are blessed in this country to have such unique animals and plants, and the intricate structure and aesthetic perfection of our native species inspires me to take a voyage of discovery into their unique world. With climate change and habitat fragmentation through unrealistic clearing of native vegetation, I believe the mission of the botanical and wildlife artist is to record a moment in time in the short lives of these unique species for future generations to enjoy.

I have donated original artworks to the Queensland Wildlife Society, the Australian Conservation Society, the Wilderness Society, Save the Bilby Fund and Save the Hairy-nosed Wombat Fund for raffles and fundraising.  I am an active member of the following organisations:

• Australian Conservation Society
• Botanical Art Society of Australasia
• Botanical Art Society of Queensland
• Bush Heritage Australia
• Nature in the Raw
• Queensland Wildlife Artists Society Inc
• Wildlife Art Society of Australasia
• Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland
• The Wilderness Society