Calling all dogs, calling all dogs! Come to the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles from January 5th to March 23rd for Wag: an exhibition FOR dogs designed specifically for you and your furry friends (accompanied by a human, of course).
Wait. Let’s put that in dog terms: “bark bark bark woof woof ruff ruff bark bark.” There, now you got the message!
Dogs are invited, but don’t worry, humans are allowed to come, too. The opening reception for the exhibition on January 5th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM is the perfect opportunity for your dog to become the ultimate art connoisseur. The exhibition includes artwork made in dog-friendly color palettes exhibited at dog height, portraits of adoptable dogs, interactive dog-friendly sculpture and video installations, and more. There will also be a pet-focused vendor market on opening night. Money will be raised for the St. Charles Animal Shelter through a silent auction of a special dog bowl installation created by area artists.
The “paw-ty” doesn’t stop there. On the Second Saturday in January (the 13th), the day begins with a nice downward dog at Puppy Yoga. That’s right, you can relax and pet cute puppies that are available for adoption. Does it get any better than that? If you’re looking for a new furry friend to join the family, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Charles Animal Shelter will have an adoption event at the Foundry Art Centre. The Kid’s Pet Portrait Workshop is at 11:00 AM where your two-legged children can make a portrait of your four-legged child. Pre-registration is required. Second Saturday activities includes a station to create dog collages inspired by contemporary artist Michel Keck.
Have a tail-wagging good time on January 26th at Yappy Hour! From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, spend time with your pup and give them the VIP (very important puppy) treatment with art activities for both humans and dogs, a bar, and music. You’ll both feel like the top dog!
The Foundry Art Centre knows that true love is a wet nose and a wagging tail. That’s why dog-related programming continues in February with Pawentine's Day on February 9th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The highlight is speed dating, but with a twist. Don’t worry, you won’t have to worry about awkward small talk. This is a special speed dating event with fostered dogs and their foster parents. Take a few minutes with each dog being fostered from the St. Charles Animal Shelter and learn about their personalities and habits. If they’re a good fit for you then congratulations, you’ve found your match!
Catch a glimpse of the life of a working dog on February 17th. K-9 units will be at the Foundry Art Centre for demonstrations on what they’re trained to do when it comes to being in a crisis situation. This thrilling event will have you at the edge of your seat and might inspire your Fido to learn some more tricks.
First Fridays in March is on the 1st and dogs are invited to come and see the exhibition. On March 9th, get your trivia team together for Animal Shelter Trivia to raise money for the St. Charles Animal Shelter. The Second Saturday activity is assembling a portrait that resembles your dog’s unique personality. This workshop focuses on how to use small, geometric pieces of cardboard to create abstract dog portraits. Participants can use oil pastels and markers to add color. Wag: an exhibition FOR dogs comes to an end on March 23rd. The closing reception on March 22nd is capped with a final Yappy Hour from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for you to spend time with your pup and reflect on how fun the past few months have been.
Gear up for a fun three months full of activities for you and your dog. Dogs are invited to all events at the Foundry Art Centre during the exhibition except for Heart Mart on February 2nd. If you and your pup can’t make it to the events, you’re both welcome to come experience the exhibition on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Wag: an exhibition FOR dogs is so fetch, it’ll be the talk of the dog park before you know it!