The
Painted Dogs are Coming to Columbia County
Hudson,
NY, February 14, 2008 – Get ready for the painted dogs this
summer! The Best in Show public art project was launched today
at a press conference held by the producers the Columbia County
Chamber of Commerce and Columbia County Council on the Arts.
Best in Show will feature 60 fiberglass dogs painted by local
artists displayed on Warren Street in Hudson. Please
click here for a sponsorship packet.
The
dogs will go up over July 4th weekend and will entertain residents
and visitors until October 12 when the dogs are auctioned
off at the Best in Show Auction & Gala. Public Arts
Displays have been a huge success across the nation. These
events boost tourism and support buy local initiatives in
the area. Cat'n Around Catskill was very successful
last year with their first public art display in Catskill,
NY, Pittsfield has adorned their streets with sheep and Saratoga
has shown off their heritage with horses. Similar projects
have taken place in Kentucky, Texas, Montana and California.
Due
to the success of the public art display in Catskill last
year, members of the Chamber and Arts Council encouraged the
organizers to bring the same idea to Columbia County . The
Chamber and Arts Council are natural partners as they represent
the business and arts community of Columbia County.
After
careful consideration the dogs were chosen to spark a friendly
rivalry with the cats in Catskill. A joint marketing campaign
between Columbia and Greene Counties will draw even more tourists
to the area this summer. Thousands came by car and tour bus
to see the Cats in Catskill last summer and local residents
also enjoyed casting a ballot for their favorite cat last
summer. Now they will be able to search for their favorite
cat and dog! Public participation is highly encouraged and
there will be an opportunity to vote for their favorite dog
and even purchase them!
The
dogs will be auctioned off on October 12 at the Best in Show
Auction and Gala. Artists who participate in designing a dog
will receive 25% profit of the sales from their dog at the
Gala.
The
60 fiberglass dogs are available for sponsorship by local
businesses. A sponsoring business will have the opportunity
to select the design rendered by the artist that they wish
to sponsor. There are two sizes of 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. Sponsor packets are available
by calling the Chamber at 828-4417 or on the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.
Sponsors as of February 14, 2008 include: Crawford & Associates;
Columbia Café Company; Columbia County Lodging Association;
Columbia County Tourism Department; Columbia-Greene Federal
Credit Union; COARC; Dunn Builders Supply; Fingar
Insurance; Hudson Development Corp.; Katchkie Farm; Mexican
Radio; The Spotty Dog and Vasilow's Confectionery
Local artists are also needed to paint the dogs. An artist
packet is available by contacting the Arts Council at 671-6213
or by visiting the website at www.artscolumbia.org
. Artists will have until February 24 to submit a design
to the Arts Council. A sponsor/artist reception will be held
on Friday, March 14 at Space 360. Sponsors will be able to
pick the design and location of their dog at that time.
For more information about the Best in Show Public Art Project
contact the Chamber at 828-4417 or mail@columbiachamber-ny.com
or the Arts Council at 671-6213 or
info@artscolumbia.org.
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with
its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia
County, providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions
for its members. Those seeking more information concerning
the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can
contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website
at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.
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