The Bowen is going to the critters this June with a special month-long art show.
The Critters Juried Art Show will be on display June 1-29 with an opening night celebration and awards reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 1.
Forty-five regional artists from 10 surrounding counties will have various art mediums on display from photography to watercolor to sculptures.
This year’s judges are Oscar Rayneri for fine art and Harriet Dye for photography.
Rayneri is a watercolor artist who lives in Dahlonega. He paints waterfalls, flowers, rustic barns, landscapes and historical architecture.
Dye is a photographer in Atlanta and her black and white print entitled “Haunted” won third place People’s Choice Award at the 30th annual Push-Pin party hosted by the Atlanta Photography Group earlier this year.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 2, the Bowen will open its doors for the Critters Festival to honor the animals and animal lovers in the area.
The Dawson County Humane Society will have pet adoptions and boutique pet supplies on site. The Humane Society’s resale shop will also be there selling goodies.
A variety of vendors and activities will be available for both kids and adults to enjoy. Vendor booths will feature handmade arts and crafts, face painting and more. Food and refreshments will also be available. Proceeds from the refreshments sold will go to the Dawson County Humane Society.
It’s the first time the Bowen has hosted the Critters art show and festival, and Bowen Director Ginny Greenwood hopes that the art center has a good turnout for the festival.
Greenwood, who has been keeping her eye on the forecast, said in case of rain the festival will be moved indoors at the Bowen.
Rain or shine, nothing will stop the Bowen from celebrating all things critters.
The Dawson County Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to giving shelter to homeless animals while finding loving homes for them. Before an animal is adopted, each one is fully vetted and spayed or neutered. They also offer a low income spay/neuter program for families on public assistance.
The Bowen Center for the Arts is located at 334 Hwy. 9 N in Dawsonville and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.