submitted by Jayne Behrle, The City of Winter Garden
The City of Winter Garden invites the public (and their pooches) to beat the heat and visit the “Dog Days of Summer: The Ulti-Mutt Art Exhibit” inside City Hall. The juried exhibition created by local artists celebrates hounds and summer and both pups and their human escorts are welcome inside City Hall to view it. For the exhibit’s grand opening, the city is hosting a Launch Paw-ty for the community, including its canine citizens.
The exhibition includes 30 pieces of original canine-inspired artwork of a variety of mediums. Nearly 100 submissions were received in response to the city’s Artists’ Call for this fun-loving exhibit. “Dog Days of Summer: The Ulti-Mutt Art Exhibit” will be on view July 1 through August 31 in the Art in Public Places Gallery at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.).
To add to the exhibit’s community spirit is “The Dogs of Winter Garden,” an art piece that invites locals to place a photograph(s) of their dog(s) on this visual tribute to Winter Garden’s canine residents. Photos can be added throughout the exhibit and at the Launch Paw-ty (4” x 6” max. photo size, one photo per dog, photos cannot be returned).
A Launch Paw-ty to premiere the exhibit will be held on Friday, July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. Open to the public and their pooches, event highlights include:
- Self-guided dog-friendly gallery tours inside City Hall
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with exhibiting “Pawcassos” and their four-legged models
- Doggie splash pads (dogs must remain leashed and accompanied by a pet parent; towels recommended/wet dogs not permitted inside)
- Pooch Photo Station for keepsake photos and social media sharing
- Themed refreshments for both people and pups – Bone Appetit!
- Dog-themed giveaways (while supplies last)
- “Ruff”le drawings for dog-themed prizes from community partners (Drawing will be held at event at 7:45 p.m., must be present to win.)
“The City of Winter Garden is happy to provide a tail-wagging good time for all our residents, including our furry ones, with these dog-centric events! Gather the kids and pooch and visit City Hall for some fun while cooling off from the dog days of summer” said Donna Corbus, City of Winter Garden Community Liaison and AIPP curator.
Leashed, vaccinated, well-socialized dogs three months of age or older are welcome to visit the exhibit and attend the Launch Paw-ty. Pet owners are asked to monitor their dogs’ health and behavior and attend responsibly.
Event Details at a Glance:
“Dog Days of Summer: The Ulti-Mutt Art Exhibit”
July 1 – August 31
Art in Public Places Gallery at Winter Garden City Hall
300 W. Plant Street
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed July 3)
Free Admission
Launch Paw-ty
Friday, July 10 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Winter Garden City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery
300 W. Plant Street
Free Admission
Event Details
Art in Public Places Gallery
Presented by the City of Winter Garden, the Art in Public Places Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of various themes and art mediums throughout the year. The exhibitions are presented by community partners and periodically by City of Winter Garden Artists’ Calls. The Gallery is on the first-floor lobby of Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street, and is open to the public during regular operating hours.
