Paws for Art, Dogs Invited

MILLVILLE – On April 1 WheatonArts, in partnership with the Cumberland County SPCA, will celebrate dogs and the joy and enrichment they bring to our lives. This free community day event opens WheatonArts’ gates to humans and dogs alike. Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs onsite to engage in various animal-themed activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event features:
■ WheatonBarks Dog Show and Parade at 1 p.m. (A donation of dog food for the Cumberland County SPCA is requested for registration to the show). Trophies will be awarded in both Adult and Children’s classes in each of the following categories: Best Pet Costume, Macho Mutt, Petite Pup, Prettiest Pooch,
Pet and Owner Look-Alike, Tons of Fun, and Senior Pet (adults only). “Top Show Dog” awards will be
Best in Show, Top Dog and Sportsmanship. The “trophies” will be stoneware pet bowls handcrafted by Erika Pugh, WheatonArts resident associate artist.
■ Karen Quigley, owner of Elwood, the 2007 winner of the “Ugliest Dog In The World” contest, will participate in a story time session. Quigley rescued Elwood, a Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mixed breed, in 2005. “The breeder was going to euthanize him because she thought he was too ugly to sell,” said Quigley. Although he has no formal certification as a therapy dog, Elwood accompanies Quigley to schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other events. She says, “His attitude lights up all who meet him.” Quigley so believed in Elwood’s message that she wrote a children’s book about him titled Everybody Loves Elwood. The book’s messages are: it’s okay to be different; you don’t have to be beautiful to be lovable; and by all means — treat animals well.
■ Dog Caricatures by Barbara Hymer (fee)
■ Portraits by Photographer Chuck Ferrara (fee)
■ Animal Story Readings
■ Children’s Animal Art Exhibition in the Glass Studio
■ Working Dog Demonstrations and Exhibits
■ Animal Themed Glassmaking Demonstrations in the Glass Studio at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
■ Pet Supply Vendors
■ Silent Auction of Glass “Adoptable Pets”
■ Pet Themed Kids’ Activities – Coloring Pages (for the very young), Cat and Dog Paper Bag Puppets,
Cat and Dog Sock Puppets, Pencil Holder Pup and Make Your Own Cat Toys
■ Animal Awareness Organizations
For pet safety all dogs will be required to be on a short, no longer than four-foot, lead. No retractable leashes. Dogs will be allowed in the Glass Studio and the Ceramics Studio. The Cumberland County SPCA will provide volunteers as dog sitters so dog owners may visit the Museum of American Glass and the Museum Stores. Water stations will be located throughout the grounds.
WheatonArts resumes its six-day operating schedule on April 1 with all facilities open for visitation. Hours: Tues. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 30, 2012. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Open Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. For more information about WheatonArts, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit online at www.wheatonarts.org.
For more information about Cumberland County SPCA located in Vineland, NJ, call 856-691-1500 or visit http://members.petfinder.com/~NJ44/HOME.htm.
WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for additional needs. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department
of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State. Additional funding provided through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
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