Kickstarter

A canoe expedition on the Noatak River to Kotzebue, AK; the first of two Alaskan expeditions that together will complete an artistic circumnavigation of the western Brooks Range, contributing to a major natural history museum exhibition on the Boreal Forest. Supporters can share in the adventure, images and artwork from the expedition. The expedition is set and will proceed at the end of July no matter what, but last month we had "Good news / Not so good news; And more good news ... but":...

1): Our crew has two more artists, one a new member of WREAF / However, since we are using new folding canoes this year (flying in Alaska is more restricted than in Labrador), we now need a new canoe we hadn't budgeted for.

2): National Geographic has approved our "Pre-application" for expedition funding ... but for next year (if the final application is approved) - the second half of this project; crossing the mountains with the canoes and running the Kobuk River to Kotzebue, AK.

For now, we are still on our own funding this first Alaska expedition, which is a key precursor to the success of the National Geographic application and your support will help us begin. Our circumnavigation of the rugged peaks of Alaska’s Brooks Range – by canoe - begins this July - September on the Noatak River (continuing through Angiaak Pass and the Kobuk River next year). Share the Adventure – Share the Art - Help conserve Wilderness. This latest in WREAF’s series of wilderness art expeditions (www.wreaf.org) will contribute to a proposed exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) combining art, science and Aboriginal perspectives of the Boreal Forest (an announcement due soon).

Together with the Kobuk River expedition next year, it will encompass the northern and westernmost extent of the ecosystem in North America and with our expeditions in northern Québec and Labrador, frame all of our Boreal journeys. Completely above the Arctic Circle among jagged mountain peaks with glacier fed rivers, Grizzlies, Wolves, Caribou and the Northern Lights (when there is any dark - the early part of the trip will be in near total daylight), this will be a challenging and inspiring adventure.

With a crew of painters, a pro-photographer and a world-reknowned sculptor, the work from the expedition is sure to be exceptional. Supporting this expedition at all levels includes being able to follow the expedition in real time. Subsequent levels include photographs of the expedition, images and originals of field art and finally, original studio work inspired by the journey. Some examples from previous expeditions are above and below  with more at http://www.wreaf.org/WREAFart.htm

Thank you very much,

 Rob Mullen