If you’ve been paying attention, you know that I’m a big fan of the book Our Farm: By the Animals of Farm Sanctuary. The children’s book of poetry is written by Maya Gottfried (who recently wrote a brilliant guest post for us detailing how she found her way to animal activism), and it is illustrated by the talented Robert Rahway Zakanitch. The poems in the book are written from the rescued animals’ perspective — can you get sweeter than that? The animals featured are (or were) real-life residents of Farm Sanctuary.
oh the potential…
I was delighted to see that there is an upcoming art exhibit from Our Farm, featuring both the original watercolor paintings from the book, as well as reproduced prints. Five percent of the proceeds will benefit Farm Sanctuary, and both Maya as well as Farm Sanctuary President, Gene Baur, will be on-hand speaking at the event.
Isn’t it grand when art meets advocacy meets art meets advocacy… ? Advocating for animals through art is a perfect way to bring folks from different circles into the animal movement. Animal art — or art with a message — has the power to touch people in inexplicably powerful ways.
Another current animals-in-art exhibit is happening right now (ending Oct. 1) — and this one is in Canton, Ohio. The Art of Kindness (“an evening of fun, food and furry friends”) features artwork with companion animal themes, and benefits the Stark County Dog Pound.
Organizing an art exhibit that benefits a sanctuary or shelter, creating artwork that can be donated to such events, and purchasing art at these exhibits are all great ways to combine creative flair with social change.