“Egyptian Cat” by Nancy Grimes, photo courtesy of Mark Miller Gallery
Call it a pet project. This Sunday, the Mark Miller Gallery will launch a show featuring paintings of cats and dogs, and four-legged gallery goers will be treated to wine and cheese water bowls and dog treats.
Ever since he was a kid, Mark Miller has had a soft spot for animals. “People can’t afford to take care of their dogs and cats,” he told me. “We’ve had a lot of homeless animals in the Lower East Side and it’s caused me to get warm to the whole idea of doing something for dogs and cats.”
“West Hall III” by Caren Canier, photo courtesy of Mark Miller Gallery
Miller has done a lot of socially motivated projects at his Lower East Side gallery, including rescuing a few cats and finding homes for them. “On occasion I like to support animal shelters,” he says. “I’ve done stuff with homeless shelters and in between other shows. This one’s a fun little show – we have some talented artists and if they sell, part of the proceeds will go to the Humane Society.”
“Ice Cream” by Catherine Redmond, photo courtesy of the Mark Miller Gallery
“Dogs and Cats: 21 Artists Unleashed and on the Prowl” will open at 92 Orchard Street this Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, and runs through May 3. “It’s a pet friendly opening where you can bring your dog or your cat and the first ten people that walk in the door will get a dog holiday ornament.”
Hey, it beats searching for Easter eggs.
“The Fitting” by David Carbone, photo courtesy of the Mark Miller Gallery