An art exhibition, “The Animals in Us Part II” opened on Feb. 11 in New Albany and is on display till March 16 to the public.

This art exhibit features animal related artwork and writing by local artists from Southern Indiana and Kentucky. The event is being held in the Resch — the former Gas and Electric Building.

“I went to check out the exhibit last week,” Chris Little, fine arts senior, said. “I really liked the sculptures and the variety of artwork.”

Three IUS students in the ceramics department have artwork featured in the exhibition, including Rebeka Trapp, Jay Whitman, fine arts senior, and Kristy Leverock, fine arts senior.

These students also had pet bowls being sold, with 50 percent of proceeds going to animal rescue leagues.

“I know the animal shelters needed a lot of help, so I decided I would help out where I could,” Whitman said. “Everybody loves animals.”

Whitman said this was not his first time making art associated with animals; however, he specifically made the bowls for the art show.

Leverock is an intern with the arts council in New Albany, and contacted Whitman to ask him to work on some projects and help out at the arts council. Leverock has an animal sculpture in the art show.

Nearly 16 pet bowls were made, and eight of them were sold. The remaining pet bowls were donated to the shelters.

“The location was really nice,” Whitman said. “It was the first time I did anything in that building. A lot of people brought their dogs to the exhibit, so it was really interesting to have their pets and the art together.”

The art featured at the exhibition is a mixture of artwork from professionals, students and emerging artists. According to a statement at the exhibit, the art looks into how individuals portray animals in themselves.

The exhibit features 23 artists and writers. The variety of artwork is on display using different media that include printmaking and sculptures using various materials.

The event also functions as a fundraiser for local animal rescue leagues, bringing awareness to nearby animal shelters and no-kill organizations.

At the event opening, the Shamrock Society, Floyd County Animals Rescue League, Southern Indiana Rescue League and Animal Protection Association set up tables with information about their programs and animals available for adoption.

Participating animal shelters also had pets up for adoption at the opening of the exhibit. Whitman said quite a few animals were adopted.

“People at the show donated dog food and lots of other things — toys, treats and bowls to the animal shelter,” Whitman said.

The animal shelters associated with the event are still looking for donations.

By AMIRA ASAD

Staff

aasad@umail.iu.edu