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MISSION: Pawsible
April 27, 2010
An ambitious group of people devoted to loving animals are deep into a new and exciting project. MISSION:PAWSIBLE is a public art and animal project to benefit four Flathead Valley non-profits. The brainchild of Rebecca Lyman of Whitefish, Montana and Park City Utah, MISSION:PAWSIBLE will provide much needed funds for the Flathead Shelter Friends, Flathead Spray and Neuter Task Force, Humane Society of Northwest Montana and the Whitefish Theater Company.
Dog and cat sculptures in four different sizes are already being transformed into amazing pieces of art by area artists renowned for their creative works. The dog and cat sculptures will join the moose and bear masterpieces that were auctioned several year ago in Whitefish. The big auction event will be held on September 11, 1010, a fitting time for a diversion from the sadness of that date.
When asked why a fundraiser of this size would work in these tough economic times, Rebecca Lyman reported that a sister event last year in Park City, Utah, another animal and art loving community, netted well over six figures at their auction, DOGS OF BARK CITY. People bid thousands of dollars to own a permanent pet, add to their art collection and to benefit all the animals in need in their community. The major goal of MISSION:PAWSIBLE is to bring all the animal groups in the Flathead Valley together.
For an educational component this summer, Whitefish Theater Company's children's theater camp will bring awareness to the plight of pets people can't take care of. These pets are often abandoned or taken to a shelter. In the excitement of owning a cute little puppy or kitten, people forget that these animals will be with them forever. Last year the children visited an animal shelter and developed a script for this year's play, GO DOG GO.
On the July 4 weekend, the finished pets will be displayed as a group and then will be placed in "foster homes" - stores, offices and outdoor locations in the Flathead Valley. This will allow residents to view and subsequently fall in love with their favorite artistic pet. With compositions like "Bird Dog", "Groucho Barx", "Bumble" and "Tattoo Tuxedo Tabby", animal and art lovers will soon become smitten and the competition will be running high for a successful art auction on September 11, 2010 - the big night to own a "forever pet".
To learn more about the people involved in this project and the Park City Project, Dogs of Bark City, and the many artists who have donated their time and talent, contact www.missionpawsible or contact Carolyn at 406-862-5371 ext. 222. For interviews and sneak preview photos of artists at work, tune into Montana Living Magazine's web page. It might not be too late to sponsor an artist and become a Big Dog or even a Bigger Dog.
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