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A Cause for Big Paws

Art, Dogs, and Love Come Together

BRHS Development Director Laresa Griffin, with artist Marsha Hammel and the Gallery at Flat Rock owner Suzanne Camarata

What happens when you put together an artist, a love for big dogs, a gallery, and an animal welfare organization? An art display celebrating the love and adoptable canines weighing 50 pounds or more called A Cause for Big Paws, created by artist Marsha Hammel and the Gallery at Flat Rock owner Suzanne Camarata is what.

Hosted in Marsha’s Hendersonville studio, the installation featured Marsha’s work centered on dogs with an individual poem for each piece. Having herself rescued and received love from two amazing large dogs, Marsha wanted to “draw attention to big dogs, in that big dogs are slower to be adopted than small dogs, while celebrating the joys of living with big dogs.”

Marsha with show guests

The show also included a video produced by Josh Dunkin, featuring Whitney Drake, Blue Ridge Humane Society’s Adoption Manager, and one of her large adopted dogs, to share more about adopting and why taking home someone with a lot more to love may just be the perfect fit.

The show was viewable by appointment only in early July to ensure a safe and comfortable viewing. Dog treats were provided for the furry guests by Barkers Anonymous, and show attendees receiving a one of kind sketch by Marsha of them and their dogs as a special touch.

This unique and loving show raised $500 for Blue Ridge Humane over the week and half viewing time.

Thank you to Marsha, Suzanne, Bakers Anonymous, and everyone who attended for sharing your love of animals and helping Blue Ridge Humane provide care for those that need it, large and small!