Artrageous Animals! 

Animals available for adoption from the rescue will create professionally styled paintings. The paintings can be done on canvas and professionally matted and framed. These paintings are then given names reminiscent of great works of art and described as one would describe a work created by a master such as Monet, Rembrandt, Kandinsky or PAW-casso. Cite examples of shadowing, chiaroscuro, the artist’s sense of playing with light, the interesting uses of color, and the detailed ‘paw-strokes’ used. A bio of the animal artist and a photo of the animal will be provided in a smaller frame that will accompany the artwork when sold. The paw paintings can be sold for $100 or more during the auction time or sold individually as part of an art show.

This gala event should be geared towards the art lovers and the upper class in your community. Use your “A” list of invitees and personally invite the socialites of your community. Join up with the Junior League or other civic group to bring in some of their members and friends to the animal rescue event. You can co-host the show as part of their goodwill efforts to support the community. If you have an art school or studio nearby, ask them to be a sponsor of the event and assist you in framing your artwork or donating canvases and supplies.

The art show can be conducted as either an auction or a show. Hors d’oeuvres can be served while people look at the artwork available for sale/ bid. Tickets to the event should be priced to cover the venue used (a hotel ballroom, a museum, a civic center), the food served and any liability insurance needed. Drinks can be served as part of a cash bar, aside from any donated wine that you may want to pass around. If you want to keep it a non-alcoholic event, mocktails or cat-tails (NA Versions of drinks) can be served along with an assortment of coffees and sparkling juices.

Food: Catered buffet dinner to increase the mingling of the guests, and ample viewing time of the artwork. Hors d’oeuvres and cat-tails (cocktails) served during the viewing period.
Music: Piped in upbeat classical music would be fine. A harpist or flautist might be a classy touch, too.
Door Prizes: One of your art pieces, an opportunity for a local artist to paint a photo of your pet for you, a sculpture of an animal, etc.
Variations: Animals can also paint original works of art on t-shirts, aprons, sweatshirts, tote bags and other items.