ART FOR THE EARTH

A groundbreaking initiative that bridges art and environmental preservation

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is proud to present "ART FOR THE EARTH: An Exhibition and Auction for Conservation,” a groundbreaking initiative that bridges art and environmental preservation. This exhibition harnesses the power of art to raise awareness and drive conservation action for endangered species and habitats across the Asia-Pacific region.

**ART FOR THE EARTH** “ART FOR THE EARTH: An Exhibition and Auction for Conservation,” organized by The Nature Conservancy, aims at raising public awareness of endangered species and their habitats © TNC

This unique collaboration between TNC and renowned doll artist Ning Lau features 16 meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind doll art pieces that beautifully depict the unique and threatened species and landscapes of the region. From the rich and vibrant marine ecosystems, the lush forests, to the boundless sky, these artistic ambassadors evoke a deep connection to nature and inspire us all to become steadfast advocates for protecting our planet's precious resources. Ning deliberately uses upcycled fabrics in each doll, explicitly emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and highlighting the importance of reusing materials to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Ning Lau Doll artist Ning Lau crafts hand-sewn dolls from scratch, imbuing them with whimsical and distinctive personalities that mirror contemporary life. © Phoebe Wong

"As an artist, I believe art has the power to touch hearts and ignite passion for conservation. Through these dolls, I hope to focus attention on the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and inspire people to protect endangered habitats and species.

Ning Lau, Artist

"I’m honored to be part of an initiative that brings attention to such an important cause," Ning Lau said.

The 16 handcrafted dolls are truly one-of-a-kind works of art, each requiring immense time and effort to create. A highlight of this collection includes the Ceylon Rose and Oyster Reefs figures, inspired by the beloved and renowned celebrity and actress Lin Min-Chen. Min-Chen has long had a deep interest and passion for nature conservation. She not only strongly supports this important conservation effort, but has also personally participated in it and expressed her heartfelt concern for endangered species and their habitats.

Lin Min-Chen Renowned celebrity and actress Lin Min-Chen has a deep interest and passion for nature conservation. © Lin Min-Chen

I am very happy to be a part of this project, and to help raise awareness about the issues facing our planet. The Ceylon Rose and Oyster Reefs figures symbolize resilience and hope, and I’m thrilled that they will be part of an event that contributes to meaningful change.

Lin Min-Chen, Artist

Min-Chen shared, "I hope they will be bid on and obtained by people with a kind heart, and I call on everyone to actively support this charity auction and contribute to the protection of our natural home."

While all of the 16 one-of-a-kind dolls will be exhibited and auctioned, the Ceylon Rose doll will be available in a limited edition of 20 replicas for pre-order and auction. Each piece is unique, featuring distinct hairstyles, facial features, and intricate details, ensuring that every piece is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This offers supporters the chance to own a truly exclusive and distinctive art collectible.

Among the collection, the Oyster Reefs doll pays tribute to an endangered habitat - a vital and irreplaceable ecosystem that supports the delicate balance of life. Three dolls – Red-crowned Crane, Snow Leopard, and Chinese White Dolphin – will be showcased in a live auction at the TNC Gala Dinner on September 13^th, with proceeds directly benefiting TNC’s conservation and education initiatives in the region. The remaining 13 dolls will be auctioned online until October 31^st, allowing a broader audience to support these vital efforts.

Lulu Zhou Conservation Strategy Director, Hong Kong & Director of Strategic Development, China © TNC

This exhibition is more than just an art display, it’s a powerful statement about our commitment to protecting the natural world. Each doll, whether representing a majestic animal or a crucial habitat like the Oyster Reefs, symbolizes the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the urgent need to act

Lulu Zhou, Hong Kong Program Lead, TNC

"We hope this exhibition will inspire everyone who attends to contribute to our conservation efforts and help preserve these incredible species for future generations,” said Lulu Zhou, Director, Strategic Partnerships (Asia Pacific) and Hong Kong Program Lead of The Nature Conservancy.

Visitors to the exhibition can immerse themselves in a variety of enriching activities, starting with bidding on the figures through a QR code available at the exhibition. Additionally, they can explore an interactive augmented reality experience by scanning the animal photos next to each doll, gaining insight into the species or habitat it represents. To further engage with the event, the first 100 visitors who sign up for the TNC e-newsletter on-site will receive a complimentary small pouch featuring photos of the figures.

"ART FOR THE EARTH: An Exhibition and Auction for Conservation" invites everyone to experience the intersection of art and conservation. By participating in this charity auction, you can contribute to safeguarding endangered natural resources and help to build a more beautiful and sustainable planet. All proceeds from the auction will directly support TNC's vital conservation and education efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, funding on-the-ground programs that protect fragile ecosystems and the species that depend on them. The event is further enriched by the support of renowned pet portraitist Prissy Tang, who has beautifully drawn all of the animals in the collection. As a token of appreciation, each bidder will receive a thank-you card featuring her exquisite artwork.

For online auction, please visit https://hk.givergy.com/ArtForTheEarth

First and foremost, TNC extends heartfelt gratitude to doll artist Ning Lau for her selfless contributions and support. She has handcrafted all 16 exhibition pieces and will be donating all auction proceeds to our conservation efforts. Her generosity and passion are truly appreciated. We also thank Pacific Place for providing the venue, making this exhibition possible. Finally, we thank Prissy Tang for her exquisite artwork, which enhances the exhibition with her detailed and captivating illustrations of the animals.