Pollyanna Pickering is Honoured at the European Women of Achievement Awards

Pollyanna was recently honoured at a lavish international awards ceremony at London's Grosvenor house. The Women of Achievement awards aim to reward outstanding accomplishment with special accolades, and the final short list is drawn from thousands of nominations from throughout the European Union.

As one of just five finalists in the arts and media category, Pollyanna was recognised for her remarkable achievements in her chosen artistic field and in particular her dedication to conservation and the protection of endangered species world-wide.

In May Pollyanna was interviewed by a judging panel which included Nicholas Bonham, of the prestigious auction house, as well as the chief cashier of the Bank of England. Last month she attended the glittering awards luncheon at London's Grosvenor House, during which she was presented with a special certificate in commendation of her "Outstanding contribution to pan-European understanding and progress that provides an inspiration to others".

"I was moved and honoured to receive this recognition of my work" Pollyanna said after the luncheon "But for me one of the best parts of the experience was meeting the other finalists from the arts, business, and humanitarian categories. It was inspirational to meet these truly remarkable women." Speakers at the five course luncheon included Baroness O'Caithen, Baroness Howe, Dame Vera Lynn and the managing director of IBM

In selecting Pollyanna for this commendation in the Arts and Media category, the judges were impressed not only by her achievements in Wildlife Art, which remains almost completely male-dominated, but also by her global commitment to conservation, especially in Europe. The awards are exclusively given to honour women who's work has a specific European dimension. "I have always been fortunate that my work as an artist has no language barriers" Pollyanna commented "People of all nationalities respond to paintings of wildlife". Pollyanna's ranges of fine art prints, cards and gift ware are now exported into 83 countries world-wide, including every country in the European Union. Pollyanna also represents several national and international charities as a patron, including the Wildlife Defence Fund, Raptor Rescue, the Irish African/Asian Conservation and Wildlife Trust, and Naturewatch who work extensively in Europe.

All our finalists and award winners possess the same determination to succeed, belief in their own abilities, the courage to overcome often huge obstacles, and the willpower to make it happen" commented Peta Payne, Chairman of the awards committee "They are truly an inspiration to all those who desire to turn their dreams into reality".