Bimblebox fight takes to canvases

A GROUP of multi-disciplined artists will join the fight to save Bimblebox Nature Refuge near Alpha from Clive Palmer's proposed China First coal mine.

The nature refuge is set to be destroyed if Mr Palmer's mega open-cut and underground operation is given the go ahead, and artists from across the land will trek to the region this weekend to create pieces of work depicting life at the refuge, joining a campaign which is quickly spreading throughout the country.

More than a dozen notable artists from across the eastern states will use their talents to capture the nature of the bushland under threat.

The artists, including Pamela Croft Warcon, Glenda Orr and Jill Sampson, will spend 10 days from Saturday camping and working at the nature refuge.

Ms Sampson said they aimed to document aspects of the unique Australian landscape and habitat.

"Our intention is to map the country and its inhabitants in our own unique ways," Ms Sampson said.

"These 8000 ha of native bushland sustain complex ecosystems.

"The landscape and its habitats exist as they have for thousands of years.

"This long history will end if Waratah Coal is allowed to clear and mine the reserve."

Bimblebox has played host to a number of scientific studies in the past decade. Ms Sampson said art and science had long complemented each other.

"Nature, art and science are all meant to enhance our lives, and this is what we're seeing at Bimblebox," she said.

"Through our art we will bear witness to this place, its past and its future."