Best in Show 2009 Public Art Project – Sponsorship Deadline Nears

April 8, 2009 - The streets of historic Hudson will once again be home to dogs of the painted variety. The hounds will be painted by local artists and become part of “Best in Show: Discover Columbia County ‘09” a public art project that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The public art display will open on Warren Street on July 4 th and continue until the dogs are auctioned off on Columbus Day weekend.

Best in Show is a project of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. The beneficiaries this year will be: Columbia County Council on the Arts and Perform Columbia, the 24 member performing arts collective comprised of organizations throughout Columbia County . Last year beneficiaries received $10,000 from auction proceeds. Local artists also benefit financially as they receive 25% of the auction price or their creation.

Last summer thousands of visitors and local families roamed Warren Street to enjoy the creative and colorful painted pups. “I believe this is a great project that gives people one more reason to enjoy Hudson and Columbia County ,” said Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera.

This event has several purposes – boost tourism, feature local artists, promote local businesses and benefit local arts organizations.

The fiberglass dogs are available for sponsorship by local businesses or individuals.  Sponsors will have the opportunity to select the design rendered by the artist that they wish to sponsor.  There are two different dogs available, one sitting and one standing.  Sponsorship starts at just $500 for one dog.  This is a great way to support the community and tourism in the County.  Sponsors will be recognized with a plaque on their dog of choice, appear in all promotional materials and recognized at the Best in Show Auction & Gala in October.

A special Sponsor-Artist reception will be held on April 30 at Stageworks to match artists with sponsors. At that time the sponsors will be able to select the artist rendering they would like and the location of their dog. The Chamber encourages businesses to sign on as sponsors as soon as possible, as the dogs are going fast! The deadline to sponsor a dog is April 24. Sponsors to date include: Casa Urbana Boutique and Salon; Crawford & Associates; Clear Channel Radio; Fingar Insurance; Hudson-Catskill Newspapers and Mexican Radio.

Greg Fingar, co-owner of Fingar Insurance, said becoming a sponsor was an easy decision for him. His company has offices in Germantown , Hudson and Catskill. “It's a good networking tool and a good opportunity to increase traffic flow. It's just a great opportunity for a business to be recognized.”

Sponsors aren't just from the Hudson area. Businesses and individuals throughout the county are encouraged to get involved. In the future, organizers plan to expand the project to different areas of Columbia County , said David Colby, Chamber President.

Public art projects have become popular and successful promotional tools used by towns and cities around the United States , said Colby. In recent years Pittsfield , Mass. , Bennington , VT , and Saratoga , NY have all used painted animals to attract tourists. Just across the Rip Van Winlke Bridge, Catskill will once again display painted cats.

“There are actually groups that travel around the country to see these exhibits,” Colby said. “We think it's a great partnership between artists and businesses.” Sponsor and artist packets are available by calling the Chamber at 828-4417.  

Selected artists receive a $50 stipend to help defray supply costs. Artists also receive 25 percent of the gross price the dog brings at the auction. Deadline for interested artists to submit an application is April 24; those selected will be notified after the Sponsor-Artist Reception on April 30. Artists have until June 1 to complete their dog and return it to the Chamber.

Columbia County 's “Best in Show” continues a public art collaboration between the city, county and various county organizations as well.

“The cooperation around this project has been great,” added Chamber Board Chair Mike Sullivan.

The Columbia County Board of Supervisors is behind the project 100 percent, said Roy Brown, Germantown supervisor. “I think this brings a lot to the city and the county,” he said.

For more information contact the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at (518) 828-4417.

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce provides advocacy, promotion and group benefit solutions to over 850 local businesses. For more information, call 828-4417 or go to www.columbiachamber-ny.com .