Even the art world is putting an eco spin on events. This year’s Artexpo New York the world’s largest fine and popular art fair, will feature several artists’ exhibits “inspired by an appreciation for the environment.” Never been? Give it a whirl. You just might enjoy yourself. (Note to self: wear comfortable shoes.)

Artexpo New York will be at the Javits Convention Center from February 28 to March 3, 2008. Since debuting in 1978, Artexpo New York has helped launch the careers of: Andy Warhol, Peter Max, Robert Indiana, Leroy Neiman and Robert Rauschenberg.

“Environmental artists” exhibiting this year include:

Wyland: touted as one of the world’s most renowned environmental artists, Wyland is best known for his famous Whaling Wall murals depicting the beauty of the underwater world. He is an official artist for the U.S. Olympic team and will paint his 100th Whaling Wall during this year’s Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Wyland will appear with other Olympic artists at an unveiling of official Olympic artworks at Artexpo New York on Saturday, March 1 at 1pm.

John James Audubon: The “Birds of America” collection of bird images from the early 19th century made John James Audubon a household name. The Audubon Centennial Edition is the first comprehensive collection to meticulously restore the detail and brilliance of the original plate images. The limited edition of 200 includes facsimiles of the entire double folio of 435 bird images.
Melinda Nye is an associate member of the American Society of Media Photographers, whose images are used to promote conservation efforts worldwide. She has been a contributing Earthwatch Institute photographer since 2001 and her images of Brazilian wildlife have appeared in print media worldwide. She recently exhibited her “Four Seasons” series, including “Spring” pictured, with the Audubon Society.

Michael Glinski has been hailed by Asian media as a “genius ocean artist” who uses his work to inspire people to care about the environment. Glinski opened the first art gallery in Palau in 2003 and has launched conservation campaigns protecting the local coral reefs and marine life.

Robert Bissell is an illustrator known for his whimsical depictions of wildlife, which are often compared to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Mija is a collaboration between husband and wife team Jim and Libby Mijanovich, founded on the philosophy of using the Earth’s resources conscientiously. The Mijanovichs left behind their careers in science, engineering and health care to pursue a dream to blend creativity with their environmental convictions. The result is fiber art made from recycled materials, namely vintage clothing, and intricately stitched with metallic threads. The resulting pieces are then framed in sustainable walnut shadow boxes.

Tickets for Artexpo New York are available the day of the show at the Javits Convention Center box office or at www.artexpos.com. The show is open on February 28 and 29 from 10am to 6pm to trade only, and then to the public on March 1 from 10am-6pm, March 2 from 11am-6pm, and March 3 from 10am-2pm. Adult tickets cost $15 a day; $5 for seniors and students. Entry for children under 12 is free.