‘Celebrating Unconditional Love’—

Artists Are Adding Their Names — And Art 

To Labor Day Weekend Fundraiser

By Shannon Hicks

The Animal Center of Newtown and ROAR, Ridgefield’s nonprofit, all-volunteer animal welfare organization, will benefit from funds raised during a special art event being planned for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Of course, attendees can also benefit from the selection of art that will be offered for sale and through auction, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings at McLaughlin Vineyards.

“Celebrating Unconditional Love” will take place at the vineyard, 15 Alberts Hill Road in Sandy Hook, on Saturday, September 3. It will run from noon to 6 pm.

In addition to work by Richard Budman of Sandy Hook and Karen Kensek of Bethlehem, the first two artists announced earlier this month for the fundraiser, “Celebrating Unconditional Love” will now feature work by at least seven more regional artists.

Confirmed now are Susan Hurtuk of Sandy Hook and Marleen Cafarelli of Newtown, who will add photography to the one-day exhibition; Carla Devens of Golden Bridge, N.Y., and Christian Kennedy of Wilmington, N.C., with watercolors; Emine Cichowski of Storrs, with sculpture and clay pieces; Chris McCormick of Newtown, with works in acrylic and oil on canvas; and Kyla Clendenin of Bethlehem, with mixed medium pieces.

The signature piece for the show is a 30-by-30-inch painting by Mr Budman, called “Suspicion.” It is done in the artist’s signature style of bright oranges, reds, and yellows, combining surrealist and contemporary styles that are instantly recognizable as Budman works.

Mrs Kensek, meanwhile, “is the world’s greatest poultry portrait painter,” says Mr Budman. Mrs Kensek is a partner/co-owner of Koenig Art Emporium in Southbury. She spends much of her free time painting, with a very strong focus on the chickens and goats that call the property she and her husband own their home.

“We’re thrilled to be working with such talented artists and animal lovers,” Monica Roberto, director of The Animal Center, said in a press release. “This festival will feature animal-themed sculptures, paintings and photographs. The works of art will be upbeat and peaceful, honoring the spirit of unconditional love animals bring to this world. We hope people will see the creations and remember their current and past pets with pleasure and smiles.”

“There is no fee because we want people to come and enjoy the event,” Ms Roberto told The Bee. “We’re really excited about this.”

The Animal Center is well known in Newtown for its efforts fostering and placing homeless cats, as well as assisting with spaying and release of feral felines. Since March, the animal rescue organization has made a switch from exclusively a cat rescue operation to one that now includes dogs.

Founded by Ms Potter in 2004, The Animal Center is a volunteer-staffed, Newtown-based 501(c)(3) animal welfare charity. TAC does not have a shelter, but runs its adoption and assistance programs through a foster network. Proceeds from fundraisers like “Celebrating Unconditional Love” helps volunteers provide food, shelter, and veterinary care for animals.

For more information about The Animal Center or “Celebrating Unconditional Love,” contact Leyla Nichols at 203-942-4764.