Works of Arf

Author: Andrea Glaessner

Vibrant, charming woodcut prints of four-legged friends deck the walls and a six-foot wooden dog looms in the entrance, welcoming visitors with puppy dog eyes that laugh merrily, despite its statuesque, vertical posture. The multitude of cartoon-like images of dogs clustered in the front room in the gallery at Frog Hollow dominate the scene, with the exception of a few strikingly photorealistic watercolor portraits of candid canines.

Dog lovers and craft collectors of all ages flocked to Frog Hollow last weekend to check out the opening of the "Vermont Works of Arf" show, which will be on display throughout the month of April. The exhibition features original works of art created by local Vermont artists solely for sale and display at the dog-themed art show. Stephen Huneck, whose children's books based on the life of his beloved Labrador, Sally, are just as popular as his heart-warming and hilarious woodcut prints, appeared to be the featured artist of the show. The author himself was present at the gallery on Saturday afternoon for a book signing that lured in packs of fans, dog-lovers and craft connoisseurs alike.

The opening night was a "big success" according to Frog Hollow Operations Director Myk Martinez, who revealed that works purchased at the opening event last Friday "tripled the daytime profits." Martinez estimated that 150 people turned out at the opening, which was highly publicized with postcards and posters featuring one of Huneck's playful prints on the front.

The inspiration for the event grew from a pun that popped into Gallery Manager Rob Hunter's head one day and soon became the title of the exhibition. Hunter decided dogs would be a great theme for artists to work with and for viewers to enjoy. He set off to ask local artists to create original works for the show. Some of the local artists whom Hunter petitioned to participate in the show specialize in dog-related art, like Huneck, while others went along with the theme for the sake of the show.

Martinez explained that shows centered on a theme rather than one artist tend to resonate better with the viewers. "The community really enjoys shows with a thematic focus as opposed to just featuring one artist," said Martinez. "Dogs tend to be very interesting to people. They are a good way to pull people in."

Thematic exhibitions are also beneficial for artists, especially when they are suffering from a drought of ideas for the next project. According to Martinez, "Dogs were extremely inspirational for the artists. They said they're kind of blocked, and this theme really helped them get their juices flowing."

Huneck, Sean Callahan and Norton Lafourelle are the most well-known Vermont dog artists whose works are currently on display and for sale at the gallery.

Huneck lives and works in a place Martinez called "his own little Disney World for dogs" in St. Johnsbury. The artist calls his home Dog Mountain. The doggy wonderland is complete with a Dog Chapel, which Huneck described as "a place where people can go and celebrate the spiritual bond they have with their dogs." Huneck built the chapel after a near-death experience in 1994, when he suffered from Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome after a fall down a flight of stairs which left him in a coma for two months. The artist can often be found in his studio, always willing to sign a book or spend some time with a fellow dog-lover.

Callahan is also a Vermont artist with an interest in canine creations. His studio, Dog Tired Studio, is located in Vergennes, where he paints ultra-realistic watercolors with dogs as his most dominant subject.

Perusing the show, Huneck's bright and witty woodcuts are the most iconic and recognizable dog images on the walls. But perhaps the most eye-catching piece is Lafourelle's six-foot wooden dog sculpture. "That's the one that causes the biggest reaction. People are just startled by how big it is," Martinez chuckled.

The six-foot pup is just one of many Lafourelle dogs of all different sizes and breeds for sale at the show. Lafourelle is an internationally renowned artist and his portfolio features sculptural replications of over 120 different breeds. Martinez explained that oftentimes Lafourelle is commissioned by dog owners seeking to immortalize a beloved four-legged friend in the form of a wooden sculpture that miraculously maintains the dog's unique personality.

Most of the works of "arf" on display at Frog Hollow this month cost over $100. There are, however , Huneck gift cards, books and other dog paraphernalia lining the shelves that could be a great gift for a dog lover. Even if you are not in the market to buy art, it is definitely worth a short walk to town to check out the exhibition. Just like a real dog, the works of "arf" are sure to bring a smile.