Orangutan Foundation member, Jacha continues to raise vital fund and awareness for us through his wonderful art. Jacha’s latest activities involved a week-long visit to Merchiston Castle School, in Edinburgh.  Jacha, a full-time artist, is passionate about conservation and has a great love of animals. A trip with the Orangutan Foundation to Borneo had a deep affect on him and inspired his collection of orangutan paintings, which have sold worldwide. He has his own gallery space in the Alpine Coffee Shop  and Gallery, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo above: Jacha and students.

The Merchiston school were thrilled to have Jacha for the week, taking art classes and speaking at the School assembly.   Jacha spent much time in the Art Centre, where his enthusiasm rubbed of on the pupils and staff alike.

Jacha also painted one of his 'orangutan' portraits so all were very interested to watch the piece evolve over two days. During Jacha's stay he spoke to the Fourth and Sixth Form about threats to orangutan habitat and hightlighted the impacts of the palm oil industry.

 The School also hosted ‘An Evening with Artist Jacha Potgieter’ which included dinner and live music for parents, Sixth Form pupils and staff.   The school and Jacha raised £1,500 for the Orangutan Foundation - a fantastic effort all round! 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo above: An evening with Jacha

A huge thank you to the school and Jacha for making a difference and raising vital funds and awareness.

Thanks for your support!

Orangutan Foundation

www.orangutan.org.uk