HUMANE SOCIETY PARTNERS WITH YOUNG ARTISTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: B.J. Rogers
802.862.0135 ext.12
August 17, 2009

HUMANE SOCIETY PARTNERS WITH YOUNG ARTISTS
Local Studio Teaches Art, Young Donors Share Their Talents
South Burlington, Vt

For the second year in a row, the Humane Society of Chittenden County (HSCC) has partnered with Teresa Davis of Davis Studio in Burlington to help raise funds for homeless and abandoned animals. The exhibit of 31 portraits painted by young artists, ranging in age from 4 to 12, includes an opening reception and online auction and has been dubbed "Our Best Friends Too."

Last year sales from the online auction raised more than $3,000 to support the care and re-homing of animals in Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties. Each spring, Davis Studios hosts two sessions of art classes for young students during which artists create two animal portraits. At the end of the sessions, each artist donates one of their two creations to the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
"This partnership represents so many exciting things," said B.J. Rogers, Executive Director of the HSCC.

"As an organization whose work with young people is central to furthering our mission, it's a treat to work with Teresa and the young artists she instructs and engages. Through these amazing and colorful portraits, they give their time, energy, and talents in support of the animals in our community. Their work and their
generous contributions are truly inspiring."

The auction, which is currently live and accepting bids, will run through Tuesday, August 25th. The official opening of the exhibit – to be shown in the lobby of the HSCC – kicks off this Thursday with a 6:00pm reception in conjunction with "Canines & Cocktails", a twice per summer evening gathering at the HSCC.

The event will include free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, a smorgasbord of dog treats by PupCat Bakery, delicious food (for people!), live music by the Patricia Julien Trio, and a cash bar including a special mocktail for the evening’s younger attendees.
Auction and event details below:

"Our Best Friends Too" Online Auction Opening Reception/Canines & Cocktails
Now until Tuesday, August 25th at 5:00pm

Thursday, August 20th
www.petportraits.cmarket.com
6:00pm – 8:00pm
142 Kindness Court, South Burlington
www.chittendenhumane.org/eventspage.html



The Humane Society of Chittenden County is an independent, private, nonprofit, animal welfare and sheltering organization founded in 1901. Serving Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, HSCC welcomes some 1,000 animals and 15,000 people each year to its Animal Care and Adoption facility at 142 Kindness Court in South Burlington, VT. HSCC receives no state or federal funding and carries out its mission of fostering compassionate treatment of animals and preventing animal suffering exclusively through program revenue and the generosity of individual and corporate donations.

Davis Studio was founded in 2003 by director, Teresa Davis. Committed to creating an atmosphere that fosters the imagination and nurtures creativity, each student is respected as an artist with his or her own unique style and unlimited potential. Davis Studio offers a wide range of classes and camps including a selection of after school and Saturday classes throughout the school year. Additionally, classes are held during weekdays for adults, homeschooled students and preschool families. Camps take place during the summer as well as during school vacations, including Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation and February and April school breaks.