Artist Robert Bateman does Toronto interviews April 15th for May 24th opening of new Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria

TORONTO, April 1, 2013 /CNW/ - On May 24th, a public gallery devoted to the work and ideals of Canada's most popular living artist will open to the world.

The Robert Bateman Centre will anchor Victoria's new Steamship Terminal and display 80 of Robert Bateman's works. But even more, it will create a permanent shrine to the Canadian icon and global figure who has inspired millions of people to make art and beauty a part of their lives. At 82, Robert Bateman is even more a conservation hero, a voice of hope, conciliation and intelligence in the war over humanity's use of the environment.

On Monday, April 15th, Robert Bateman will be in Toronto to speak to the media in advance of the opening of the new Robert Bateman Centre and its importance to Canadians and the world.

"Why is Robert Bateman so important?"

We all know the emotional tug that his works give us just by looking at his images. Indeed, legions of teachers also wax eloquent about the power of Bateman's art not only to engage young people emotionally about the restorative power of nature, but also to teach them to embrace that power throughout their lives. The remarkable accessibility of his work encourages them to see nature differently.

As Roger Tory Peterson said: "It is no accident that his paintings elicit instant response….he overlays the well-thought out forms and patterns with meticulous detail….never losing the vitality of his subject."

In the words of anthropologist and National Geographic explorer, Wade Davis : "This will be a fitting tribute to the man and a sorely-needed voice of reason in the escalating misunderstanding over our sacred bond with nature."

SOURCE: Ramsay Inc.

Please contact Bob Ramsay at [email protected] or 416 822 3452 if you would like to interview Robert Bateman on April 15th. www.robertbateman.ca.