Davis Arts Center is pleased to host “Sheltered,” a nationally curated art exhibit to raise awareness of homeless animals and support organizations that have a positive impact on animals’ lives. Over 50 participating artists from around the country have chosen to donate a portion or all of their sales to three nonprofit animal welfare agencies: Alley Cat Allies, 4 R Friends, and Mow Wow Animals. Photographs by members of HeARTs Speak, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a united voice for animals through art, will also be on display.

Supported by grants from the Pet Assistance League of Northern California, Animal Wellness Center, Inc., The Pollination Project, and private donors, the exhibit coincides with Adopt a Shelter Dog and Adopt a Senior Pet months. A closing reception, featuring an art auction and curator’s talk, will be held on Friday, November 14 from 5:30 – 9 pm during the Second Friday ArtAbout in Davis.

Curator Ryann Casey, a professor of photography and art history based in Philadelphia, has exhibited in both solo and group shows on the East Coast. She has curated multiple exhibitions, including major charity shows benefiting the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, the World Wildlife Fund, Bat Conservation International, and Oceana & Sea Shepherd. Casey will speak at the show’s closing reception on November 14.

“Sheltered” takes into account the variety of human experiences with animals, from companionship to food, while considering the fundamental need for shelter and by extension, care. Our hope is that through the varied expressions, mediums and experiences of our selected artists, viewers will begin to draw empathic associations between ourselves, our companions and the world around us. — Curator Ryann Casey

For more information, visit http://shelteredartshow.org/