WELCOME
This website is dedicated to everything surrounding the major art exhibition by Gary Hodges coming in October 2024. The show celebrates the beauty and diversity of wildlife and is in aid of wildlife charity Born Free, who will be 40 in 2024, another reason for celebrating!
The exhibition at Mall Galleries in London will consist of around 165 artworks, including original drawings, unique embellished prints and limited edition prints. They will all be for sale, either at a set price, through a live auction at the private view, or an online silent auction that will be featured on this website. Prices start at under £100, so artwork for most pockets.

GARY'S RICH HISTORY WITH BORN FREE 
I first met Born Free's Co-Founders Dame Virginia McKenna DBE and Bill Travers MBE in 1989. The venue was Mall Galleries, where a mutual respect for their talents began.... it has only grown stronger over the years. Since that profound meeting of minds, I have loyally supported Born Free at any opportunity, through exhibitions and auctions. My drawings have made over one million pounds for Born Free and various other wildlife charities. I am busy working towards my next solo show in October 2024. Coincidentally, it's at Mall Galleries again, bringing Virginia's and my journey a full circle. Of course it's in aid of Born Free and will consist of original drawings, unique embellished prints and many other limited edition too filling the huge gallery.

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS VERSUS EMBELLISHED PRINTS - AN EXPLANATION
As you may know, since 1994, after I had my first solo charity exhibition at Mall Galleries, I decided to cut back on drawing.... for my sanity and the longevity of my artistic career. I honestly felt that I couldn't maintain the speed of output and sustain the quality of my art... so I drew less. I've never been an artist compelled to put pencil to paper every day to feel fulfilled. Drawing is just one of many things I do to try and achieve  contentment.

Each year since 1994, I've drawn between zero, one and five artworks (in 2005) a year... more the middle figure, so hardly prolific!  Originals take me up to 3 months of solid drawing to complete and especially now as time is ticking away (I'm coming up to 69 this November) I much prefer the immediacy of embellishing older prints. I get a real buzz, watching my embellishments transform prints into bolder and better images. They also raise lots of cash for animals... my top professional aim in life.

1st October 2024
Private View – Tickets at £98 
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm  
Hosted by Rula Lenska ticket includes entry to exclusive, star-studded event with drinks reception, canapes and cash bar
Live auction with James Lewis 
 
2nd – 5th October
Drawn from the Heart Exhibition, Free of Charge  
10 am – 6 pm 
  
TBC September – 5th October
Online auction opens 
An wonderful opportunity to see some of the exhibition and purchase either a unique embellished drawing or limited edition print