“Our mission is to curate life-changing adventure opportunities that inspire positive global impact through creativity, connection, and conservation.”
At Adventure Artists International, we go beyond the ordinary.
Introducing our extraordinary team at Adventure Artists International! We are a passionate group of seasoned artists, dedicated philanthropists, and avid world travelers who have come together with a shared vision to revolutionize experiential travel. Allow us to introduce you to Susan Richey, an internationally renowned animal and travel photographer whose breathtaking images capture the raw essence and untamed beauty of Africa's majestic creatures. And let us also introduce you to April Howland, an acclaimed award-winning nature and wildlife painter whose masterpieces come to life as if directly inspired by the very savannah they portray.
With our diverse backgrounds and unique talents, we have united our creative forces to curate unforgettable adventures. These specially crafted journeys seamlessly blend art, adventure, and conservation, offering an unparalleled experience like no other. With Adventure Artists International, you can immerse yourself in the extraordinary nature of Africa and beyond, guided by our expert team and surrounded by the captivating wildlife that has inspired our art.
Join us today and embark on a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Experience the magic of our unique approach, where the power of art merges with the thrill of adventure, all while supporting conservation efforts in the region. Adventure awaits, and we can't wait to share it with you. Unleash your inner artist and embrace the untamed spirit of Africa through the eyes of Adventure Artists International!
Epic Adventures
Journey into the Heart of Africa's Wildlife:
Embark on an extraordinary game drive through untamed African landscapes, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring wonders of wildlife in their natural habitats. Our expert-led itineraries will bring you up close and personal with the Big Five and other fascinating creatures. From the majestic lions roaming the plains to the gentle giants gracefully strolling across the horizon, each encounter is guaranteed to leave you breathless. Join us for an unforgettable adventure, where untamed nature and expert guides create an immersive experience you'll treasure forever.
at home
We want to make sure that you don’t miss the chance to capture your dream trip in the best light. Learning how to use your camera on location is not ideal. We offer both in-person and online photography instruction designed to prepare you for all of the action you will experience throughout your adventures.
We can also help you with your travel photography post-processing by teaching you advanced editing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop.
In the field
Photographers of all levels will enjoy traveling alongside our expert photographer, Susan Schmitz. Even outside of structured workshops, she is always willing to share tips on camera settings, composition, and technique while out in the field. Some of our international trips have additional dedicated photo guides for extra support. Select Africa tours have open-top vehicles, bean bags, experienced guides and trackers, and access to equipment rentals. We hook you up with all you need to elevate your photography game.
Artistic Guidance
By April Howland of Howland Studios
During Adventures
Learn how to share your inspirational experiences with others and raise awareness on important causes through your artwork.
On select adventures, enjoy an afternoon sketch and wine session with April. Chat about the exciting visuals you have experienced on your journey and plan out your next masterpiece.
Arizona based instruction
Painting workshops for local Arizona residents taking place at select locations in nature and in studio. Stay tuned for new workshops coming soon.
Our Impact
Helping non-profit organizations in their efforts to better the lives of the people and animals that live on our planet is the heart of our business. Well before Adventure Artists International was formed, co-owners April Howland and Susan Schmitz built their own respective creative businesses around the desire to give back to the community. By auctioning off our artwork or donating a portion of sales to animal rescues, wildlife conservations and humanitarian organizations, we have managed to make an impact to countless beings. Our goal is to infinitely multiply this initiative by teaching you to do the same, and hoping that you continue the #PHILARTRIPY movement.
200+
THOUSAND Dollars Raised
Sales and donations of our artwork have helped to support the initiatives of non-profit organizations around the US and Africa.
40+
Years combined experience
We know how to produce art that makes an impact, both visually and financially.
10k+
people and animals Impacted
Our work has helped to positively impact the lives of tens of thousands of animals and people around the globe.
Meet Your Hosts
Photo by Claudia Johnstone
April Howland
April Howland is a professional artist with over 15 years of experience in the art industry. With a deep-rooted inspiration from nature and animals, April's artistic journey has focused primarily on her thriving wildlife series and domestic animal portrait business.
As she embarks on journeys across the globe, from Alaska to Africa, April's keen eye for composition and design, coupled with her love for vibrant colors, enables her to create rich and distinctive art pieces. Her unique style seamlessly blends contemporary elements with realism, resulting in captivating and evocative works of art. While she employs a variety of materials in her creations, April's methodology remains consistent, driven by her belief that each piece of art is a beautiful learning experience, where shapes and tones harmoniously come together to tell a story.
April's artistic achievements have garnered attention and recognition, with features in esteemed publications such as Phoenix Home & Garden, Uptown Magazine, Images Magazine, Voyage Magazine, Scottsdale's Foothills Focus, The Arizona Republic, PBS Horizon Arizona, Phoenix People, The Barking Beast San Diego, as well as various local NBC, FOX, and ABC news programs. Her art has attracted a diverse group of collectors both nationally and internationally, captivated by the beauty and narrative within her creations.
When April is not in her studio, she dedicates her time to philanthropic endeavors. She is actively involved in raising funds for the Africa Foundation and Nkombe Rhino, supporting conservation and sustainability efforts. Additionally, April contributes her expertise and passion to the Phoenix Zoo as a committee member and co-founder of the "Art on the Wild Side" program, which aligns with the zoo's mission of conservation and caring for the natural world.
April Howland's artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for nature and animals. Through her art, she captures the essence of the natural world, inviting viewers to connect with its beauty and importance. April's commitment to both her craft and philanthropy demonstrates her desire to make a positive impact, advocating for conservation and raising awareness about the significance of preserving our planet's precious ecosystems.
Website - HowlandStudios.com • Insta - @howland_studios • FB - @HowlandStudios
Susan Richey
Susan Richey is a Phoenix, Arizona-based digital artist and philanthropist, specializing in photography and videography designed to meet the marketing needs of the animal and travel industries. With a passion for capturing the essence of animals and the beauty of nature, Susan has developed two distinct bodies of work that reflect her artistic vision and compassionate nature.
In her domestic animal photo library, Susan creates captivating and imaginative images of thousands of different pets. Her portfolio showcases a blend of fun, whimsy, and conceptual artistry that brings out the unique personalities of her animal models. What sets Susan apart is her Good-Focused Photo Program, an initiative she developed to support animal welfare organizations. Through this program, Susan provides high-impact photos that increase the visibility of adoption ads, aiding these organizations in finding loving homes for pets in need. By using her artistic talents to create captivating images, Susan hopes to inspire compassion and encourage individuals to consider adopting these wonderful animals.
Susan's wildlife and travel photography library captures the beauty of nature and her love for exploration. Her portfolio encompasses both documentary-style and creatively composited images and videos that showcase her wanderlust spirit and deep appreciation for all creatures. Susan's devotion towards animals of all kinds is reflected in her work, as she seeks to convey the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world and its inhabitants.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Susan actively supports wildlife and nature conservation through her Good-Focused Donation Program. A portion of the proceeds from sales of her wildlife and travel photography are donated to various conservation organizations worldwide. By contributing to these efforts, Susan hopes to make a positive impact on preserving our planet's wildlife and ecosystems.
With her passion for photography, dedication to animal welfare, and commitment to conservation, Susan Richey's work stands as a testament to the power of art in creating change. Her artistic vision and philanthropic endeavors merge to inspire others and make a difference in the lives of animals and the preservation of our natural world.
Website - GoodFocused.com • Insta - @begoodfocused • FB - @begoodfocused
Photo by Claudia Johnstone
PHILARTRIPY
/fəˈl•ärt•trip•ē/
The desire to travel with the purpose of creating art designed to raise awareness of and support for humanitarian and conservation efforts globally.
We are not a travel company. We are Philartripists.
A love note from a recent African Adventure…
Susan and April put together a great enjoyable adventure!
The best part was that I was able to experience exciting sites without having to do any previous homework on my own. While I have traveled a lot, I had never been to Africa and was a little nervous. But before the trip, they helped to prepare me thru emails, Zoom meetings, and helpful links. It made me feel very at ease, I knew what to pack and expect during the travel,
They worked directly with the tour company to develop an itinerary that provided easy travel with every imaginable sightseeing opportunity and knowledge about the area, time for relaxation, and lots of laughter.
We were introduced to great local people, I felt immediately welcome and part of the ‘family’. Friendships were built that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life! They also worked closely with the Africa Foundation to coordinate a visit to a school where I learned a lot about their work and struggles. As a result, I was inspired to help. Together with the Africa Foundation, I organized a fundraiser in the name of my late husband Kendall Ong, to help build much-needed teacher accommodations.
This Adventure Artist trip was a truly life-changing experience, combining nature, wildlife, culture, connection, and philanthropy. I would highly recommend it, even if you are not an artist or photographer!
I am so thankful and grateful to Susan and April! Can’t wait for our next adventure together!
~ Beate from Germany
Some highlights from past adventures…
