Vote For ArtPrize Entry from Michigan Artist Which Features 300 Animals From Michigan Humane Society (Caturday Art)

We haven't participated in the Caturday Art Blog Hop that is hosted by Athena and her wonderful Mom, Marie,  in quite some time, mostly because we don't usually post on Saturdays, and because things have been kind of crazy at "Casa de Cody." When Michigan Humane contacted me yesterday with this story about this incredible artist, I think you will agree that this HAD to be a part of the Caturday Art Blog Hop, even if it is not the traditional kind of a post that would be seen there.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane

 BIRMINGHAM, MICH. ARTIST WEATHERLY STROH
 LETS THE DOGS, CATS – AND OTHER PETS –
 OUT AT THIS YEAR’S ARTPRIZE Oil painting entitled “300” features animals
 from Michigan Humane Society

Artist Weatherly Stroh is preparing to enter her first ArtPrize competition, and she hopes her piece will go to the dogs – and cats, rabbits and birds – by raising awareness for homeless pets. Stroh’s piece is a 5-ft by 15-ft collage of portraits featuring homeless animals from the Michigan Humane Society. Along with the painting, Stroh’s entry will feature a time-lapse video showing the creation of the piece. ArtPrize 2016, held in Grand Rapids, Mich., runs from Sept. 21 through Oct. 9.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane

“We are grateful to Weatherly for this unique partnership, which allows us to celebrate the positive impact of our beloved companions through a work of fine art,” said Michigan Humane Society President and CEO Matthew Pepper. 

ArtPrize is an annual creative competition attracting artists from around the world. It has both a juried vote and a public vote. It is free to the public, who are encouraged to vote via social media or email, and takes place at locations throughout the city.

“My goal in creating ‘300’ is to highlight the sheer number of homeless animals that pass through the Michigan Humane Society’s doors each day, as well as the amazing work they do to find these companion animals forever homes where they will receive a lifetime of love and care,” said Stroh. “I started by photographing 300 homeless animals, which gave me a close-up look at just how much time and financial resources go into their care and adoption.”

Stroh’s painting will be displayed at the Richard App Gallery at the City Water Building, located at 1101 Monroe Ave.  Visit weatherlystroh.com or artprize.com for more information and details on casting your vote. To vote for Stroh’s piece, use vote code 62651.

Born in Detroit in 1974, Weatherly Melchers Stroh comes from a long lineage of artists including sculptor, Julius Melchers and American Impressionist painter, Gari Melchers.  Continuing in the family tradition, Stroh is an oil painter and sculptor specializing in animal portraits and landscapes. Stroh’s work can be found in a myriad of public and private art collections both in the United States and abroad. A class member of L. Brooks Patterson’s 2013 Elite 40 under 40, a 2013 MI Great Artist finalist, and the 2014 MI Great Artist winner, Stroh currently works out of her studio in Birmingham, Mich. As an advocate for all animals, a portion of the proceeds of her painting sales goes to the Michigan Humane Society.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane
Weatherly and her dog Kenai

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and most historic animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to its care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values. For more information, visit michiganhumane.org.

For more fabulous art entries visit Athena and Marie's blog right here!