UPDATE: The Evanston Animal Shelter launched an urgent fundraiser and adoption event today, July 15, 2023, to support local artists and enhance animal welfare. The event, titled “The Love of Animals Art Show,” featured over 30 local artists showcasing their work at the shelter, highlighting a vibrant community effort to make a difference.
Anna Marie Crovetti, a coordinator for the exhibit, expressed the overwhelming enthusiasm from Evanston’s art community. “They all wanted to jump in to make a difference for the animals,” she stated. Many artists pledged to donate between 50% to 100% of their sales to the shelter, amplifying the impact of their creativity.
Among the participating artists, Kristin Conneely shared her personal connection to the cause. As the owner of a rescue dog adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back. “Rescue is the way to go,” Conneely affirmed, highlighting her emotional bond with her Lab-Shepherd mix, who was rescued from Kentucky.
The event was not just about art; it created a buzz of excitement as attendees rang a bell to celebrate each sale, prompting cheers and encouraging artists. “Hearing the bell reminds me of the fundraiser’s mission,” Conneely reflected, emphasizing the joy of supporting local artists and animals in need.
Event volunteer Lisa Degliantoni noted the fundraiser’s role in fostering community engagement. “It’s exciting because this is an awesome new building, and there’s a ton of people who aren’t going to adopt a cat or a dog, but they might come in for a fundraiser,” she explained. The new facility for the Evanston Animal Shelter, which opened in 2024, is more than three times the size of the previous space, allowing for greater community involvement.
Crovetti emphasized the fundraiser’s significance, stating it was the first of its kind in Evanston and expressing hopes for it to become an annual event. “It’s a giant, inclusive, amazing community that really steps up when we need it,” she said.
As the fundraiser continues, the community is encouraged to participate, not only to support local artists but also to help provide homes for animals in need. With the enthusiastic response from artists and attendees alike, this event marks a pivotal moment for both the art community and animal welfare in Evanston.
For those interested in supporting the Evanston Animal Shelter and its mission, further details on future events and adoption opportunities can be found on their official website. The urgency to act and contribute to this cause is essential as the shelter aims to enrich both the lives of pets and the community.
Stay tuned for more updates as this event unfolds and supports a noble cause in Evanston.
