Dog Days of Summer Art Show and Fundraising for FURS

. On August 22nd we’re rolling out the “Dog Days of Summer” - an art show about pets and a fundraiser (to benefit FURS – Friends United with Richmond Shelters) complete with a doggie fashion show, a silent auction and photo booth for doggie shoots. Plus our gallery members will be presenting the annual Members Show with a “People’s Choice” award ceremony! There will be two solo shows and the monthly All Media Show

Please join us on August 22nd from 7 pm – 10 pm for the August “Dog Days of Summer” reception and exhibits. These events are free and open to the public. Parking is free on August 22nd. The exhibits run through September 21st, 2014.

The project for Dog Days of Summer began in 2013 with meetings and plans with FURS. All year artists have been encouraged to paint, sculpt and photograph for the exhibit. In July at a special artist meeting and “picnic” at Art Works, Claire Pollard, President of FURS spoke about the role of the organization in rescuing unwanted dogs and cats. At the picnic - four canvases were distributed to groups of artists with instructions to spend 1 week on the canvas and then pass it to the next artist in their group. Each artist was to augment the previous artist’s work. The “traveling canvases” will be auctioned off on August 22nd along with wonderful donations from Richmond businesses and individuals.

We encourage people to enter their dogs in the “fashion show” for a $5 fee. FURS staff will present awards for “best dressed”, etc.

Libby Clark, photographer has volunteered to run the “photo booth”. For $5 pets and their owners will be photographed, with props and the results made available online.

Here’s the line up for opening night:

7:30 p.m. All Media Show Awards and Gallery talk by Christaphora Robeers.

7:45 p.m. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER - All Media Art Show Gallery talk and awards presentation by Christaphora Robeers and FURS will present their “favorites” awards.

8 p.m. Doggie Fashion Show – guests walk their fashionably dressed pets down the runway and FURS people award prizes for best-dressed, cutest couple and more. FURS adoptable pets also walk the runway to show off their special features and potential.

8:30 p.m. - People’s Choice Awards for Gallery Members Show are presented.

9 p.m. – Silent Auction closes and winners are announced. All evening long, guests will have been bidding on items that include pet-lover baskets, artwork, lunch and a painting lesson, 4 traveling-canvas-paintings and more!