‘Art for Animals’ art show opens in July, entries due in June

Calling all artists young and old, amateur and professional: Canvases and registration forms are ready now for those wishing to take part in the 15th Annual Art for Animals benefit for the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri.

The AWA explained in a press release that area artists can sign up at Artfully Framed, 416 Vine St., through owner and event sponsor Tad Long. The cost is $10 per canvas (limit four) and those who cannot afford the registration fee can ask about possible sponsorships.

“It’s not too early to start on art projects,” said Long. “The opening reception is set for Friday, July 11, at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum in Poplar Bluff, so we need finished pieces by early June.”

The AWA confirmed entries are due in the first week of June.

Art for Animals features 5-by-7-inch original creations by area artists. Long and his staff frame the finished artwork and hang it at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum for the two-week charity auction. The closing reception will be held there on Friday, July 25, when various prizes will be presented to artists.

Artists can submit paintings, collages, sculptures or photographs; subject matter is not limited to animals. Total auction pieces will be held to 120 this year. The public bids online for individual pieces during the auction. Winning bids benefit AWA’s regional no-kill animal shelter and the organization’s community programs.

AWA stated it has rescued and placed more than 600 dogs and cats since opening its no-kill shelter in the spring of 2022. Every animal leaving the shelter is spayed or neutered and up to date on shots. Many also are microchipped.

In addition to running its shelter, AWA reportedly spends up to $2,000 a month on programs. The organization works with Haven House, the VA and Recycling Grace to temporarily house the pets of individuals seeking treatment or help. It helps provide vaccinations for puppies in the city’s animal control shelter and also provides $50 vouchers to qualifying pet owners to help with spay and neuter costs. Since its founding in 2009, AWA has spent more than $140,000 helping to spay and neuter area cats and dogs.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a young or cash-strapped artist or needing more information about Art for Animals can call Long at Artfully Framed at 573-785-6178.

AWA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; donations are tax deductible within IRS guidelines and can be mailed to AWA, PO Box 647, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902, or can be made on the group’s website: www.awasemo.org.