NEW ALBANY —
Between now and March 16, our furry friends are being honored through art at “The Animals in Us” exhibit on the second floor of the Gas & Electric Building at 138 E. Spring St. Throughout the year, the Arts Council of Southern Indiana collaborates with various organizations including the Howard Steamboat Museum and Exclusively New Albany, and now local animal rescue services and no-kill shelters.
“This is a great partnership. We like to collaborate for the community and get support for the Arts Council and the wonderful people who do rescue. None of these animals will be put to sleep because of the kindness of them (animal rescue). We think it’s important and our artists do,” Julie Schweitzer, executive director, Arts Council of Southern Indiana, said during Passion for Pets, the exhibit’s opening celebration that was held on Saturday.
Schweitzer also expressed gratitude to building owner Steve Resch for allowing the Arts Council of Southern Indiana to hold the show inside the Gas & Electric Building, as the open, renovated space is ideal for the show.
The animal-themed show is diverse in art and media.
“This is the artists’ interpretation of animals and relationships with animals. We have everything from birds to dogs, to owls and antelope,” Schweitzer said.
The variety of media include sculptures of various materials and print making. Some of the artists represented in the show are Marian Allen, Larry Beisler, Wendi Smith and Brian Somerville.
New Albany artist and Indiana University Southeast student Kirsty Leverock has created animal-inspired work for some time, so participating in “The Animals in Us” was a natural fit.
“That’s why I wanted to help,” said Leverock, who is preparing another pet-related show through Indiana University Southeast.
During the Passion for Pets, local no-kill shelters and animal rescue agencies were also represented. Shamrock Pet Foundation, Animal Protection Association, Southern Indiana Rescue League and JB Ogle Animal Shelter were present and some even brought puppies that are available for good homes.
“We love collaborating and getting together with the other rescue services. We should all work together,” said Sarah Green of the JB Ogle Animal Shelter.
The art show is also a way to bring awareness to the agencies in the area.
“We’re hoping this brings a lot to us. Our goal is to get the animals out of foster care and into homes,” said Susan Meyer of the Shamrock Pet Foundation. Shamrock is an animal rescue agency that uses pet foster families in both Louisville and Southern Indiana. Currently, there are 70 dogs in their system that need permanent homes.
Meyer explained that fosters typically don’t get attached to the animals because the animals go into good homes.
During “The Animals in Us” exhibit, information regarding the local agencies will be present, including how to volunteer and adopt an animal. In addition, donations will be accepted during the show. Needed donations are towels, leashes, paper towels, pet food and other pet items.
“We are trying to raise money for the animal shelters and show some awesome art,” said Kim Carroll Raber.
“The Animals in Us” is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Floyd County
Related Photos
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Artist Tara Remington plays with two of the puppies that are available for adoption while visiting “The Animals in Us” exhibit in New Albany on Sunday. The exhibit helps find homes for animals and collect donations for local no-kill shelters. Photo by Amanda Arnold
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Susan Kaempfer and Jim Meeks look at art while discussing the puppies that are available for adoption at “The Animals in Us” exhibit in New Albany on Sunday. Photo by Amanda Arnold
Discussion
Art for animals: Exhibit helps to find homes for animals
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