Man’s best friend on display

Furry, feathery, scaly and slimy creatures are on display at Silverdale Fine Arts starting Tuesday.

Silverdale Fine Arts animal exhibit opens Nov. 11.

Furry, feathery, scaly and slimy creatures are on display at Silverdale Fine Arts starting Tuesday.

The nine artists of Silverdale Fine Arts will host a month-long exhibit titled “Critters & Pets” from Nov. 11 to Dec. 6. The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The show focuses on promoting animal awareness and features new work by the artists showing their love and appreciation for both domestic and wild animals.

Event Coordinator Willo Huard said the artists of Silverdale Fine Arts completed their individual shows and wanted to put together a theme show. A show revolving around animals seemed like a good idea to promote animal awareness and the artists began working on it.

“As artists, we’d found that all of us had done some sort of work regarding animals,” Huard said. “We’re all very fond of our own pets.”

The various mediums include photography, glass, pottery, wood turning, enameling and several painting styles.

Huard said the artwork not only depicts dogs and cats, but other creatures as well, including fish, wild cats and more.

“We use that word ‘critter’ loosely,” she said.

An open house and artists’ reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at Silverdale Fine Arts. Artists will be on hand to discuss their work and music, refreshments and prizes will be available.

Naturally 4 Paws, Kitsap Humane Society and VCA Olympic Animal Hospital representatives will be on hand at the artists’ reception to answer questions and hand out pet treats and information about pet adoptions, educational programs, volunteering, pet care and other topics. Huard said the pet treats and informational materials will be available at Silverdale Fine Arts throughout the entire month-long show.

Huard said all artwork is for sale and some artists will do personalized pet portraits and specialized works if requested.