Artistic fundraiser for big dog adoptions

Thursday, July 2, earns sketch for attendees

(Left) “Troubador and chick magnet” by Marsha Hammel.

A special showing of original paintings by local artist Marsha Hammel will be held on Wednesday, July 2, from 11am until 6pm. Admission will be by ticketed reservation only and attendees will have a chance to receive an original Hammel sketch drawn on the spot.

Tickets for the dog-friendly event are $20, with all proceeds going to the Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS). The event is called A Cause for Big Paws and celebrates adoptable canines weighing 50 pounds or more. It is the result of a partnership between BRHS, Barkers Anonymous and The Gallery at Flat Rock artist Marsha Hammel. The artist and the organizations have joined forces to highlight the loving big dogs at BRHS that are currently seeking forever homes.

“We wanted to draw attention to big dogs, in that big dogs are slower to be adopted than small dogs,” said Hammel. “We’re celebrating the joys of living with big dogs.”

A Cause for Big Paws will showcase new paintings inspired by big dogs at the M.Hammel Studio at 1901 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville. Barkers Anonymous will provide treats for both humans and dogs attending the July 2 ticketed event. From July 3 through July 10 the exhibition of Hammel’s big-dog-inspired paintings may be viewed only by appointment.

“Truitt’s dogs” by Marsha Hammel

For tickets and reservations for the July 2 event and/or a later viewing, contact The Gallery at Flat Rock at 828-698-7000 or email info@galleryflatrock.com. The Gallery at Flat Rock represents finely curated art and craft, and is located in Flat Rock Square at 2702-A Greenville Highway in Flat Rock. Gallery hours are currently Thursdays - Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; or by appointment. To learn more, please visit the gallery website at galleryflatrock.com or call the gallery at 828-698-7000.