Situated on the border between Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Peel Gallery is a vibrant store and space that hosts exhibitions for local artists. Through January, the gallery hosted “Best in Show,” an exhibition and fundraiser for Triangle-based Hope Animal Rescue. Submissions were centered around a simple theme: dogs!
To end the month and subsequently the exhibition, Peel Gallery hosted an adoption event on Sunday to bridge the connection between Hope Animal Rescue and the showcased art. Initially, the adoption event was slated for Jan. 10, but it was postponed due to weather.
Artists from in and around the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area submitted pieces, from sculptures to oil paintings, of dogs. With such a broad theme, artists drew on personal interests and connections to contribute to the community-wide project.
Lauren Bass is a contributing local artist and dog lover who worked with Hope Animal Rescue prior to the January exhibition. Bass also volunteers with the owner of the gallery, Lindsey Metivier. She said she had wanted to get involved in Peel Gallery, and this exhibition was her chance.
Bass worked with acrylic paint for her submission and was inspired to make something in commemoration of her late rescue dog. The painting is based on Michelangelo's “The Creation of Adam.” Two paws — one representing her late rescue and the other of her current dog — reach toward each other against a blue background.
Bass said she hopes “Best in Show” promotes the rescuing and fostering of dogs.
“People can come and be inspired by the artwork that’s there — and maybe adopt a puppy,” Bass said.
Karen Melton fosters with Hope Animal Rescue and volunteered on Sunday at the event.
“We love getting out in the community and letting our dogs meet people and get good socialization in, and hopefully finding their forever home,” Melton said.
