August 18, 2004

Animal art auction

Humane Society's 'Happy Tails to You' fund-raiser September 11

By
Herald staff writer

      It's not unusual for the Cherryland Humane Society to be looking for good homes for displaced dogs and cats - but "Joan of Bark," "Cat Tut" and "Stardog" aren't your usual pets in need.
      These exceptional creatures are made of fiberglass and are creatively decorated by local artists. Along with 25 other canines and felines, these animals have been crafted as part of the "Happy Tails to You" fund-raiser to benefit the Cherryland Humane Society.
      "The artists did such a great job, they came up with really great ideas," said Mike Cherry, executive director of the Cherryland Humane Society.
      "We are so pleased to have them be involved in this fund-raiser," Cherry said.
      Larger-than-life fiberglass forms, including dogs modeled after an actual mixed breed Cherryland shelter dog, were made by Cowpainters, LLC of Chicago and distributed to area artists to transform.
      Fred Petroskey of Leland, was more than happy to take on the challenge.
      "It sounds like it would be really easy, but you start looking at that white plaster cat and your mind just goes blank. I finally came up with the idea of putting a cat in a tuxedo and made it work," said Petroskey who created "Clarence, the Cat," on display at Cali's Cottons on Front Street in downtown Traverse City.
      "It was fun and I was happy to do something for the Humane Society," Petroskey noted.
      All of the tail-waggers are currently on display in businesses and restaurants throughout the area and will be moved to the Humane Society on September 11 for display until the auction.
      The dog and cat auction, based on the cow auction in Chicago and pig auction in Cincinnati, will be a festive evening of art, auctions, music, food and drink to be held on Saturday, September 18 at the barns area of the Rolling Hills Historical Farm.
      The goal of the event is to raise funds to help retire the mortgage on the new Humane Society building, increase public awareness of its resources and raise awareness of the creative resources that flourish in northern Michigan.
      Admission is $25 per person, which includes an auction paddle, hors d'oeuvres, beverage and music. All proceeds will benefit the humane society and the animals needing its services.
      For more information, call the humane society at 946-5116.