Art for Dogs' Sake, in association with Hadleigh Art Trail - a new initiative for 2015. 

Lisa Hawker is a Sculptor, Public Artist and studio holder at Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS). Art for Dogs' Sake is a unique event but what is the connection between Cyprus dogs, Hadleigh and art? 

Lisa explains:

"In May this year (2014) we adopted a pointer cross, coincidentally called May for no other reason than this was the month when she was dumped in the pound the year before. She was incarcerated in a Limassol pound in Cyprus for a whole twelve months before we first spotted her photo on Facebook, a tiny face and a bony body behind bars. A dog on the most recent ‘put to sleep’ list. 

It seemed that we were on our journey to adopt a Cypriot rescue. There was no turning back. If it had not been for her number one fan and guardian angel - a lovely Cypriot lady called Marina - and that photo taken by a lady called Clare, ace Cyprus dog rescuer, which had us smitten immediately, it could have been a very different story.  

May was lucky. Sadly she leaves many dogs behind her, all with heart wrenching stories; an ever increasing problem in this otherwise lovely country. It’s hard to imagine that such a popular tourist destination and somewhere so apparently civilised has a problem like this, but many people in Cyprus have an entrenched and unfounded fear of dogs; many English people returning to the UK after living there just dump the dogs that have been their pets. Things need to, and they will eventually change, but it takes time, education, enforcement of the law, hard work and money.

For me, once May had come into our lives I could not bear not to try and do something, anything, for the dogs left behind. 

There was only one thing to do; help Clare and Marina, carry on carrying on! So, ‘Love Cyprus Dog Rescue’ was born. 
Please go to www.facebook.com/lovecyprusdogrescue for more information.

Art for Dogs’ Sake would not be possible without my fellow HOFS artist, Sue Willis who runs the Hadleigh Art Trail and HOFS Site Manager Brian Hickey, without whom all artists there would end up in a disorganised heap! Together we thought up our plot to change the world, or at least raise some money to make a start. I have always believed that the Arts can be powerful when used to bring people together and effect positive changes. 

This exciting event, which also has the potential to develop and evolve in the Hadleigh 'Arts' calendar, could uncover hidden talent, while raising much needed funds for the annual Hadleigh Art Trail, in addition to supporting Clare and Marina’s work through our charity. As I approach twenty creative years of being in business in 2015 what better way to celebrate, combining two of my great passions in life, art and dogs!

May is continuing to enjoy her life with us, happily snoozing as I write, with our beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Beauson, he who bears the brunt of our decision to adopt a Cyprus rescue dog on a daily basis ... May wears the trousers!!!

Whether you are an established or first time exhibitor, or maybe a prospective bidder, purchaser and investor of some truly wonderful and unique art, we look forward to welcoming you to this exciting new event, Art for Dogs' Sake." 

Lisa Hawker

Hadleigh Art Trail is an artist led community focussed annual arts event established as a cultural legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. Initially set up and facilitated by Rochford District Council on behalf of Essex Legacy, Hadleigh Art Trail is now independently run by local artists.

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Art for Dogs' Sake is committed to a reduced carbon paw-print with an online catalogue and all applications, 
communications and payments via email or other electronic means.