Proceeds benefit Waseca Animal Rescue
Dawn Schwartz of rural New Richland spent 12 hours during a unusually hectic week painting a flower pot for Waseca Animal Rescue's Plant and Pot Fundraiser May 18 and 19.
"I didn't have a lot of time," she said, noting it would probably have been better if she had more time. "But it was a fun project."
Schwartz, an animal lover, also believes that helping the local animal rescue group is a worthy cause. "They help people be responsible pet owners, especially in this economy when people need more help to care for their animals."
One of nine artists from Waseca Art Center who painted flower pots and donated them to Waseca Animal Rescue, Schwartz started out doing crafts years ago. She also worked for Vikings Woodcrafts in Waseca and taught people how to paint on ceramics at the former Creative Hands in Waseca.
Although she is basically a self-taught artist, Schwartz had classes in drawing and printing from Mankato State University. Since joining Waseca Art Center about four years ago, however, "I have really developed my fine art ability."
The fundraiser will be held in Waseca, at 315 North State Street, May 18 and 19, with Friday hours of noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Waseca Animal Rescue a, no-kill rescue organization, was founded in 2009. Waseca Animal Rescue has found homes for over 200 cats and dogs. In addition, the Group has provided low-cost neutering and vaccinations for an additional 100 animals, including feral cat colonies.
Local artists Grace Galvin, Char Harguth, Trudi Remund, Mary Shemonek, Sue Ziegler, Schwartz and Carol Wobschall, with Waseca Arts Council Director Pat Beckmann painted 26 garden pots for the event.
"We decided to add painted pots this year to give people who don't garden an opportunity to purchase something unique for their homes," said Nicole Lucca, cofounder of Waseca Animal Rescue. She noted the pots can be used for a variety of purposes besides flowers. "But for people with a green thumb, the pots by local artists truly enhance the beauty of what Mother Nature provides," Lucca said.
Also included in the sale are both classic and unusual perennials, native wild and prairie flowers, homemade baked goods and garden décor. Of course, the animals will be on hand, with their best paws forward, ready for adoption!
“Our Rescue Organization funding depends on the success of this annual event, and the public is always generous in their support,” said Director Mickey Tibbits.