Big thank you from Art for Animals

To the Editor:

The successful closing reception for the 7th Annual ART for ANIMALS art show and silent auction would not have been possible without the hard work of many in our community. The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri (also known as AWA) wants to express our gratitude to every citizen who contributed to the event by: donating goods and cash, giving time to staff the event, bidding on the works or art, and of course, painting the works of art! The animals who will benefit from the funds raised thank you, and we at AWA thank you for another year of a great event.

The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library location was new for this year. After six successful years, of being at Artfully Framed; it grew too large to continue in that location. Barbara Pelton, Artfully Framed owner and essential sponsor agreed that the general offer by Director Sue Szostak of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library theatre room would be a wonderful location; and indeed, it proved an ideal match. Ms. Szostak and her staff welcomed ART for ANIMALS and worked to make the art show available to the public for viewing during the two weeks it was on display.

Local celebrities, those painting pups Roxie and Riley, not only demonstrated their artistic talents for the crowd, but also each donated several paintings for the auction! Linda Kush, owner of Sit and Stay Dog Boarding and Training, is their owner and trainer, and generously shares them with the community.

Start to finish, this event worked because so many local businesses and individuals generously shared. Thank you to Luecke Distributing Co., Inc.; Popeye's Chicken; The Lemonade House Grille: Sweet Blessings Bakery: SomeWhere in Time Antiques and More; the Margaret Harwell Art Museum; and the many volunteers and individuals who helped publicize, set up, attend, and clean up. And to the individuals who purchased the paintings, we know you will remember a fun evening and the good work you have made possible each time you see your painting. We look forward to an even bigger event next year!

For additional information about the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri, visit us at Facebook or online: www.awasemo.org.

Nancy Abernathy

President, AWA