What We’re All About
Creativity. Connection. Adventure. Impact.
Adventure Artists International brings together people who believe creativity can be a force for good.
We're a community of artists, photographers, travelers, and curious minds who share a passion for exploring the world, connecting with others, and making a positive difference.
Through shared adventures, creative collaborations, and our online collective, we celebrate the connection between art, travel, wildlife conservation, and community.
We believe the most meaningful experiences aren't just about where you go — they're about the people you meet, the stories you discover, and what you do with that inspiration afterward.
Creative work grounded in real relationships.
Our Roots
Adventure Artists International grew from a long-standing friendship and shared values. Co-founders Susan Richey and April Howland met more than twenty years ago in Phoenix, Arizona, where both were deeply involved in animal rescue and community-focused creative work.
Though their artistic paths developed in different directions — photography and fine art — both were drawn to using their work to support causes larger than themselves.
Separate journeys to Africa became a turning point, revealing not only extraordinary wildlife, but vibrant communities, deep cultural traditions, and a powerful sense of welcome.
It was the people — not just the landscapes — that made it clear these were places and relationships worth returning for.
From Travel to Impact
What began as a shared love of travel evolved into a deeper purpose: returning to meaningful places, building lasting relationships, supporting community-led initiatives, and using art as a tool for awareness and fundraising.
Early collaborations included creative fundraisers supporting school infrastructure projects in Africa, where art helped communities build kitchens and provide meals for students.
These experiences helped inspire Adventure Artists International — a creative community rooted in curiosity, responsibility, respect, and the belief that even small efforts can make a meaningful difference.
Today, that spirit continues through the adventures we share, the creative connections we make, and the artists we encourage to use their talents for good.
What Makes This Different
Adventures worth sharing. We seek out destinations and experiences that inspire us, then invite like-minded travelers to come along.
Creativity without boundaries. Whether you're a professional artist, an enthusiastic photographer, or simply someone who appreciates art and discovery, you're welcome here.
Meaningful connections. We value genuine interactions with people, cultures, and the natural world.
Respect for people and planet. We seek opportunities to learn about and support conservation and locally driven community initiatives.
A community beyond the journey. Through the Adventure Artists Collective, we share inspiration, creative opportunities, and ways to make a difference through art.
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![Group of people standing outside in front of a small building with a red roof, some dressed in traditional African clothing and others in casual Western attire, under a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees.]()
Women's Craft Market in Kenya
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![A smiling young girl in an orange dress standing with her arms crossed in front of a rustic wooden building, with cows grazing on green grass nearby.]()
IlTolish School in Kenya
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![Four people on an open-air safari vehicle, observing wildlife through binoculars and cameras, in a natural outdoor setting.]()
Getting Creative Ideas On Safari
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![Two people working together to cut dried grass with a wooden tool on the ground, wearing traditional beaded jewelry and casual clothing.]()
Learning local traditions and skills
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![A woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and green sleeveless top taking a selfie with a group of school children outdoors. The children are smiling and wearing school uniforms.]()
Creativity, connection, and community
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![A woman with a backpack taking a photograph of a horse in a forested area with tall grass and green trees.]()
Learning Photography in the field
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![A woman with red hair and glasses painting a bee on a flower on a canvas.]()
Painting Nature Scenes
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![A painting of a woman with dark skin wearing a colorful headscarf and a denim jacket, holding a young child with dark skin, who is wearing a bright orange knit hat and a denim jacket with a fluffy collar, both looking off to the side against a brown background.]()
Portrait Painting By April
The Artists Behind the Adventures
Adventure Artists International was founded by two friends who believe that art, adventure, and shared experiences can inspire positive change.
As practicing artists and enthusiastic travelers, Susan and April are always dreaming about new places to explore, interesting people to meet, and creative experiences worth sharing.
When we discover somewhere we're excited to go, we work with independent destination specialists and travel providers to put together an adventure, then invite others to join us.
We travel as fellow adventurers — ready to photograph, explore, learn, create, and enjoy the experience alongside you. Professional local guides and independent travel operators provide the guided activities and destination services identified for each journey.
Want to know more about us and the creative work that inspires our travels?
You're Welcome Here
You don't have to be a professional artist to be part of Adventure Artists International.
Maybe you love photography, painting, wildlife, travel, or discovering different cultures. Maybe you're looking for a creative community or simply want to experience the world with people who share your curiosity.
Whether you join us on an adventure, participate in the Adventure Artists Collective, or find inspiration in the stories we share, we'd love to connect.
We're going places, creating connections, and finding inspiration along the way. Come along!