Calling All Artists

Helping Paws Animal Shelter is sponsoring the Fourth Annual Art for the Paws - shown above is a partial mosaic from 2017. Art for the Paws is a community outreach project and fundraiser to help raise awareness for the arts while benefiting Helping Paws.

Artists of all abilities and all ages are encouraged to participate by creating works of art (do not have to be animal related) in a variety of mediums on 6-inch by 6-inch canvases. Past submissions have included photography, three-dimensional and sculptural work, assemblages, fiber work, painting, writing and collaborative works.

Individuals can obtain up to two blank canvases for a donation of $5 each at the following locations: Helping Paws Animal Shelter,2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock; Material Things, 103 East Van Buren, Woodstock; The Studio Art School, 3316 Pearl St., McHenry, and Reprographics, 26 Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake.

Completed canvases are due no later than 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2018. Each work of art will be photographed and displayed on the Art for the Paws Facebook page with the artist’s statement, and on the on-line auction website. A portion of the canvases will be mounted together to form a mosaic that will be displayed at the Woodstock Public Library from March 20 through April 8, and at Read Between the Lynes dates TBA. All 350 canvases will be displayed in one large mosaic at a public reception April 21 at Mixin Mingle, 124 Cass St., Woodstock.

All artwork will be available for purchase through an on-line auction through Charity Auctions Today beginning in late March with bids starting at a minimum of $25 for each piece of art with all proceeds to benefit Helping Paws.

Canvases are now available at the following locations (these businesses also serve as drop-off points for finished artwork.) Please call ahead or check their website for business hours before going to locations.

Helping Paws Animal Shelter

2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-4400

Reprographics

26 Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 477-1018

The Studio Art School

3316 Pearl Street, McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 385-3990

Material Things Artisan Market

103 E. Van Buren, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 575-9710

Helping Paws is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. Serving McHenry County, Illinois and surrounding communities since 1969.