The exhibition will showcase artwork and photos of endangered animals native to northern Victoria.
The gallery will display art from local artists, photographers and environmentalists, who will also feature in the grand opening on July 4, all sharing in their love of nature.
Veronica Groat of Strathallan Glider Sanctuary said the exhibit was all about threatened species, and informing people of these threatened species in Victoria specifically.
“They’re all animals that are really important, and if we don’t look after them, we won’t have them,” she said.
Mrs Groat spoke with the artists at the gallery a few months ago, discussing the exhibit, and gave them pictures and some ideas about the native animals that were at risk.
“They’ve come up with some terrific ideas,” she said.
“People are beginning to realise how important it is that we know about these animals that we’re losing.”
Mrs Groat said that many of the at risk animals featured in the exhibit were nocturnal, and went unnoticed by many people because of this.
“This is why some of these animals particularly have been forgotten about, and this exhibition gives us a chance to tell their stories, to speak on their behalf,” she said.
“These animals are there even if we don’t see them, and they really need our help, particularly when we cut down old trees or indiscriminately cut down trees, their habitat’s gone, and after a while, so are they.”
Mrs Groat said the opening would give a chance to people to meet some of the artists and photographers and speak to them about their work.
“We will be getting together and chatting and meeting like-minded people, you know, people who are interested in native animals,” she said.
The Nature at Risk exhibit will have its grand opening on Saturday, July 4 at 11am, and will be showcased in July, August and September.
The Alton Gallery Echuca is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 1pm.
Mrs Groat said she believed people would be surprised by how many native animals were at risk.
“Every day we hear more and more. It’s not only animals but ... insects, native grasses and plants,” she said.
“We all need to take some control or do something to try and to help the native animals and plants.”
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