Art for Barks Hosts Paws & Paint Expo in Solana Beach

On Saturday, Oct. 10, local animal charity Art for Barks held a community event in Solana Beach to help raise awareness for adoptable animals and optimal pet care.

The event, titled Paws & Paint Expo, was the first ever event of its kind put on by the charity, and attracted more than 100 attendees. It was held at the Solana Beach City Hall Gallery, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and featured an animal-themed art exhibit from nationally-recognized artists, adoptable dogs, pet portraits, live art instruction from Art Attack, puppetry, pet care professionals, raffle prizes and more.

Major league baseball player Travis Lee was also on site with his therapy dog Bella, speaking to attendees and taking photos with the crowd. Even Bixby, who has been riding across the country to raise awareness for shelter animals stopped by for a photo opp. The event was free and proceeds from raffle tickets went to benefit Art for Barks.

A first-of-its-kind animal charity, Art for Barks couples art and technology to support sophisticated animal care, thereby helping curb pet abandonment on the front-end. The 501(c)(3) organization mobilizes artists and authors to help support rescue animals and service dogs. Art for Barks provides the essential tools and resources to support pet guardians, such as an innovative veterinary records Drop Data Box, an Emergency Contact Card, a daily Pet Care Registry, and state-of-the art pet parenting information. For more information, visit www.artforbarks.org