Abandoned and stray Crucian dogs and cats supported themselves through their art work at the Paws Pallet art exhibition at the Top Hat restaurant and art gallery in Christened Sunday.
Animal residents of the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center had their work displayed and sold in the exhibition. If sales are a measure of success, this was a success. Nearly all of the art pieces created by the animals were sold.
“The art sold very well, but most importantly was, one dog was adopted,” said volunteer Bernadette Szajna.
It worked for one lucky dog artist, Ursula, a blond, seven-month-old female medium breed, who was adopted and had hert art, “Carib Sunset," sold.
The works were at first view nothing more than complimentary colored paw prints on canvas, but they were open to interpretation.
Moises Carmona, director of animal care at the center, was one who saw much in the animal art. He looked at the art work and said the art sends a strong message of sadness of pets being discarded and abused. He said he found the animal artwork moving and interpreted the art, seeing hearts, angels and people in the pink, green, red and purple paw prints in “Footprints of Hope” by Hannah who was abused by her owner.
Moving people was the purpose of the champagne brunch reception and art exhibition, with the proceeds to benefitting AWC.
Professional local artists also displaying were Danica David, Leslie Cramer, Nancy Byrnes and Kristen Duncan. Duncan had black-and-white photos of the cat and dog artists for sale.
“I love animals, and wish I could adopt them all,” said artist David, who said she will be doing portraits of pets with proceeds going to the shelter.
Five cats and nine dogs put their paws to canvas, creating 12 pieces of art for the benefit.
Sponsors of the show were Premier Spirits, Merchants Market, Quality Foods and Top Hat.
Founded in 1973, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center promotes the humane treatment of animals in the St Croix community through education, encouragement and enforcement. Readers can learn more about the group’s programs and services by visiting its website at www.StCroixAWC.org.
