Meet Trailblazer April Howland

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Howland.

April, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Sedona, AZ and began drawing at the age of four. In the last 15 years, I have a created a successful business in fine art with Howland Studios and have helped raise money for many different causes, one of them being the Africa Foundation (USA). Recently, during the last two years, myself along with my mentor Dyana Hesson, have been working with the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo to create an exciting and new rotating art exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo’s Savana Grill called “Art on the Wild Side”.

About two years ago, professional photographer Susan Schmitz and I began putting together a new business plan and just this summer we launched Adventure Artists International LLC. We specialize in curating epic philanthropic photo trips for the creative in you!

Has it been a smooth road?
As with any new business, there are always struggles. Our biggest challenge now is to get the word out about Adventure Artists International (AAI) and about what we do and why we do it.

Has putting together this business been easy? Not hardly! But we believe in our mission and because of that, the struggles are worth it. If you are passionate about what you are doing, you move forward, even if it is one day at a time.

We’d love to hear more about Howland Studios and a new business venture: Adventure Artists International.
Adventure Artists International (AAI) curates philanthropic adventures for creative spirits. Our mission is to provide creative spirits with unique art and philanthropic centered travel experience that inspires global impact through creativity, connection and conservation. You don’t have to be an artist, photographer, author, or in the arts at all to travel with us but if you have a passion for art and/or philanthropy then we promise AAI is the travel company for you!

Besides providing exciting opportunities for the exploration of nature and wildlife, we also coordinate opportunities to educate guests on important conservation and humanitarian efforts in progress in the areas that we visit. We aim to inspire guests to aide in these efforts by sharing their experiences through their voice and possibly their art to raise awareness. We teach effective ways to generate sales of their creations and the importance of giving back a portion of proceeds to the charitable organizations that run the projects that they just visited. Our goal is to get others excited to help create a Global Village we all want to live in.

AAI has partnered up with two of our favorite organizations, Wild Eye Destinations and the Africa Foundation to bring you a unique philanthropic photographic safari adventure that is sure to be a life-changer, for you and for those that you meet along the journey. This Masai Mara Great Migration safari and added Maasai community philanthropic excursion in September of 2020 is SURE to be one of the most amazing wildlife shows you will ever see. Come adventure with us, we are booking NOW!

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
When I get stressed I like to read books that lift me up. Two of my favorites are The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and the Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. The two books are similar in that they are based on the character’s spiritual walkabout if you will, that leads them to believe in their own greatness and potential. I have copies of both and have read them countless times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adventureartistsinternational.com/
• Phone: 480-359-4686
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureartists_international/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventureartistsinternational/
• Other: https://www.howlandstudios.com

Image Credit:
April Howland, Claudia Johnstone, Bradford Jones

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