Woof, woof! 5 things to know about 'Rustbelt Rescues' art show during Canton First Friday

CANTON − A new show at Patina Arts Centre will give the cats and dogs of the Stark County Humane Society a home on canvas in a series of colorful and vibrant portraits.

"Rustbelt Rescues" opens at 5 p.m. Friday at Patina, 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton. Artwork will be on display through Oct. 28. Friday's show will run until 10 p.m.

More than 30 artists have created portraits in a variety of styles and media. The exhibition is a joint effort between Patina and the Humane Society to raise awareness for the agency while accepting donations and supplies.

"The name (of the exhibition) is meant to convey a sense of camaraderie between the people and the animals living within the 'Rust Belt' of the Northeast," said Alaska Thompson, executive director and gallery director at Patina. "We are all part of a community."

"Most people grew up with a family pet, or have a strong connection to a pet they have now, or maybe one they lost," she said. "When you see a portrait of an animal you immediately think about experiences you have shared with that same kind of animal..."

The free art show also coincides with October's First Friday event in downtown Canton, which runs 5 to 9 p.m. in the Centennial Plaza area and at various downtown businesses and art galleries.

First Friday's theme is "Barktober Fest," which encourages the public to "grab your favorite furry friend and head to downtown Canton."

Other art shows during First Friday include "The Men of Solo" from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Silo Arts Studio, 431 Fourth St. NW. The exhibition features the work of male artists who have studio spaces at Silo.

Also happening is the "Cosmos" art show at The Hub Art Factory, 336 Sixth St. NW.

Curated by Heidi Fawver and Maizy Jade, the art display is described as "an out of this world space and alien show happening in downtown Canton." Guests are invited to come "dressed for new frontiers in your best space costumes, mind open, and ready to dance," The Hub Art Factory said of the event.

Also Friday night, Disco Inferno will perform starting at 6 p.m. at Centennial Plaza, which is along Market Avenue N and Court Avenue NW. The concert is presented by Jerzee's Cafe. Vendors and food trucks also will be featured at First Friday.

Other activities include a dress-like-your-pet in disco contest at the DJ booth at 4th Street NW. Gator's Joint, 235 Cleveland Ave. NW, will feature live music by The Intangibles.

The Canton Ballet will host a dress rehearsal open to the public at 6:30 p.m. at Canton Palace Theatre, featuring excerpts from their latest show, "New Works."

Here are five things to know about "Rustbelt Rescues":

1. Gallery director's sister helped inspire art show

Thompson said the art show was partly inspired by the work of her sister, Alisa Thompson, who is an emergency veterinary technician and fosters animals.

"She rescued and rehabilitated an emaciated German shepherd puppy and is often coming up with creative solutions to the dire issues our furry friends are met with on a regular basis," Alaska Thompson said.

Thompson said her other sister, Jessica Bender, who is dedicated to community service and works in healthcare and with children, also provided inspiration for "Rustbelt Rescues."

2. Cats and dogs are up for adoption

Some of the dogs and cats depicted in artwork will be up for adoption, including those with special needs, said Jackie Godbey, executive director of the Stark County Humane Society. Some of the animals featured in the paintings already have been adopted, she said.

The Humane Society accepts and cares for sick, injured and stray dogs and cats. A total of 2,849 animals were adopted in 2022 through the agency, which also investigates animal cruelty in Stark County.

Godbey said the Humane Society is looking forward to "Rustbelt Rescues," noting that one of her employees, Amber Austin, adopted Billy the parrot who is featured in a portrait. Austin also has helped with the art show, said Thompson of Patina.

"It definitely is a fun thing to do," Godbey said of the exhibition. "Any art is fun, and when you add a special love for animals to that, it just collaborates together."

"Celebrating the art and the culture of our arts and bringing the animals in with the animal lovers, that's just an overall win-win," she said.

3. Donations and supplies are being accepted for Humane Society

Attendees and the public are encouraged to support the Humane Society through donations that can be made by using a QR code on postcard fliers promoting the event. Monetary donations also can be made at the event.

Supplies also are being accepted for the Humane Society, Thompson said. Items can be dropped off at Patina at Friday's show and during gallery hours in October − noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Supplies needed include canned and dry dog food, puppy food, flea shampoo, leashes, pet brushes, litter cans, hand sanitizer, brooms, trash bags, cat toys, cotton balls, mineral oil, chicken broth, peanut butter, paper towels, blankets, and dog and cat dishes.

Supplies also can be dropped off at the Humane Society, 5100 Peach St. NE in Nimishillen Township. For more information, including office and shelter hours, go to http://www.starkhumane.org/ or call 330-453-5529.

4. Art sales will help Humane Society

Patina will be donating 15% of the art sales to the Humane Society, Thompson said. Some artists also have asked that their percentage of the art sales be donated to the humane society.

5. Which artists are featured in 'Rustbelt Rescues'?

Participating artists include Sam Lilenfield, Erika Katherine, Ben Sandy, Heidi Fawver, Ian Stoddard, Evan Hargraves, Lauren Ashley, Melissa Goff, BZTAT, Dr. Demon, Shane Corn, Morgan Dent, Tim Eakin, Steve Ehret, Zach Finn, Thom Glick, Christian Harwell, Nat Highben, Petyon Hopp, Rylee Lovelace, Jorge Cervantez, Alexis Eleanor, Bella Feliciano, David Brian Martin II, Torrence Mabry, Jordan Serafimov, Andrew Wells, Urte Jocaite, Jeffrey Keirn, Ash Palmer, Amanda Morena, Jo Westfall, Shari Weygandt and Jess Wilhelm.

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com and on X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton art show supports dogs and cats of Stark County Humane Society