Why I cried today

Today was the first time I have ever seen what my biological grandfather looked like. This photo was found among my late grandmother's genealogy research paperwork. This is John Alexander Kujala holding my father who was only about 3-months-old at the time.

Painting for Paws - Art Call

The 7^th annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, 2011. The Happy Tails cats and dogs have been busy painting one-of-a-kind pieces of original artwork with their paws for this year’s fundraiser! Pieces will be matted and framed, and accompanied by a photo and bio of the furry artist so that you can not only buy the paws painting, but you can adopt the artist as well!

In addition, there will be "human artwork" donated by local artists, a silent auction, complimentary food and wine, live music, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

If you would like to be a "human artist" for this event, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than August 11, 2011 and I will follow up with further details. Artists who donate to this fundraiser will receive complimentary admission to the event.

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 6pm - 9pm
Dante Club – 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Howe Avenue
Entrance fee: $20 to benefit Happy Tails

"Unleashed" - No stopping us now!

And here's the mention of "Unleashed" in the Happy Tails e-newsletter!

"Unleashed" - We are on a roll!

Here's another mention of the "Unleashed" art show! Many thanks to Downtowngrid.com for featuring Jared Konopitski's piece in their Second Saturday Art Walk promotions! Click here to see the details.

"The Bunny Who Wanted to be a Bird" by Jared Konopitski.

"Unleashed" art show mention

Our upcoming "Unleashed" art show has been mentioned on A Blog from the Dog House! Click here to check it out. And does this mean that Izzy is in the doghouse?

"Unleashed" art drop off

Tonight was the art hanging for the "Unleashed" art show. I loved seeing so many artists who are eager to support this fundraiser with their art donations - and the pieces are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of a few of the pieces of original art that you will be able to bid on.

I own quite a few pieces of Cinder's art. This new piece called "Catnip" especially makes me smile!




This piece by Cathryn Reynolds, the Happy Tails special events volunteer, is her first attemp at working with acrylics. I so love the vibrant colors!




Here is "Desert Elephant" by Maya Murphy-Cook, my high school friend's 12-year-old daughter. This will be her very first art show and I'm so humbled that she has allowed me to mentor her during the process.




This quilted wall hanging was created by Carolyn Hess, a member of the River City Quilters Guild. She's worked for several local quilt shops creating their display samples. Her work is not only warm, but her attention to detail is meticulous!



You'll be able to bid on these pieces and about 50 more at the "Unleashed" animal art show.

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located inside the ThinkHouse Collective
at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

"Unleashed" - Saturday, July 9

This fundraiser focuses on the bond between humans and animals. A silent auction of original art will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located inside the ThinkHouse Collective
at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

Robert Jordan, all the way from Ireland, will delight listeners with his guitar, harmonica, and vocals from 6:30-7:30pm.

Featured artists: Abby - the min pin, Ann Ranlett, Betty Warmdahl, Carolyn Hess, Cathryn Reynolds, Christina Edmondson, Cinder, Evie Turner, Jared Konopitski, John vanDusen, Johnny Dismal, Karen Colbourn, Kate Dana, Kelly Elizabeth ONeill, Kim Brownell, Leslie Cobb, Lori Ann DeLappe-Grondin, Maya Murphy-Cook, Melody Claussen-Furry, Moises M. Castillo, Nicolas Caesar, Oh Boy Cat Toys, Steve Grondin, Tiffany Dare Turner, and more!

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.