The Huronia Museum in Midland ended its search for the next puppy Picasso as people helped their furry friends show off their painting skills during a fundraiser Saturday.
Local artists Paul Whittam and Nahanni Born help dogs and their owners embrace their inner artists by sharing their passion for Indigenous art.
During the Painting with Your Dog event, in support of the Ontario SPCA, they inspired guests to see beyond the shapes to form a story with the help of their furry companions.
“It’s nice that people can bring their dogs and have a fun doggy date with them in a different way while supporting the community around you. Plus, you have something you can hang up at home that you created with your pet,” said Whittam.
The dogs were rewarded for their efforts with treats and a run through the outdoor village.
The event inspired guests to explore more creative ways of spending time with their pets.
“Floyd has an artistic way of enjoying his food. He likes to take mouthfuls and arrange his kibble on the floor as he eats it,” Carolyn Gibson, of the Ontario SPCA, said of her shih tzu. “This is his first time actually painting, but it definitely won’t be the last.”
“Art is subjective and there’s no such thing as a bad painting. It’s about expressing yourself and enjoying what you’re doing. The most natural thing in the world is to create,” added Born, encouraging people to bring their dogs to next year’s event.
