"Great Dogs & Cool Cats of Summer" exhibit that will be on display from August 1 through September 13 at the WOW Center, 105 Elm Street in the heart of Westfield’s new Cultural District.
This popular summer event began as the “Dog Days of Summer” last year, but recognizing the requests of numerous cat owners, it has been renamed and will now feature our feline pets as well as our favorite canines.
The exhibit combines a unique art exhibit with a display of photos, submitted by area families, whose pets will be vying for the titles “Great Dog” and “Cool Cat,” as voted by gallery goers.
The exhibit will culminate in a final reception and judging on Saturday, September 6 from 1pm to 3pm, with judging beginning at 2pm. Prizes will be awarded in three categories for both dogs and cats: “Best in Show,” “Fan Favorite,” and “Best Special Name.” Winners will receive a special prize package, designed for cat and dog lovers.
The art exhibit, entitled “Old Westfield’s Lost Album of Forgotten Cats,” pays homage to T.S. Eliot’s classic poetry collection, “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” that inspired “Cats,” the Broadway musical and film.
Working with co-curator/WOW President Bob Plasse, Johnson-Corwin has created a series of illustrations that reflects a mysterious story that they say must be told.
“As the story goes, during the Thirties and the Forties there was a cat named 'Old Westfield,' who unbeknownst to his owners was a secret artist. 'Old Westfield' supposedly painted a series of portraits from the fantastical world of cats here in our city,” Plasse explained. “James Johnson-Corwin has reimagined the portraits and we have accompanied his whimsical illustrations with journey stories for each of the cats.”
Pet owners and those who love them may submit one photo per dog and cat, either currently in their lives or in memory of a beloved animal that has crossed the rainbow bridge. WOW will print the photos submitted online and will display them on the gallery walls so that visitors may vote on their favorites. In-person voting will begin on August 1.
Submissions must be received by Monday, August 15 (or dropped off by August 14) and must follow the official guidelines: high-resolution (at least 3000 x 2400), clear images without humans or professional photography, in JPG, TIF, or PNG formats.
Physical photocopies (no larger than 8.5" x 11") with a completed permission form may be dropped off at the WOW Center or VIVID Hair Salon on Elm Street during designated hours. All entries must include the signed form granting WOW permission to display the photos and accompanying details.
Families are invited to creatively name their pets according to Eliot’s three-name rule: a sensible everyday name like “Georgie,” a special name like “Bombalurina,” and a secret name known only to the pet. Participants must submit both the everyday and special names, making this a fun opportunity for the whole family.
The exhibit will culminate in a celebration at the WOW Center on Saturday, September 6 from 1 to 3pm with the judging by WOW’s panel of pet lovers at 2 pm. Winners will be announced in three categories: “Great Dog,” “Cool Cat” and “Fan Favorite,” and the favorite “Special Name” honoree will also be named.
"The Great Dogs and Cool Cats of Summer" will be on display from August 1 to September 13 during WOW Gallery hours:
Other hours will be added, pending the availability of volunteer docents. Group tours are also available by appointment.
The exhibit is made possible through the financial support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Westfield Cultural Council, the Westfield Downtown Cultural District, the City of Westfield, and donations from the public and audience members. In-kind assistance has been provided by Reminder Publications.
Westfield on Weekends is a program of Westfield on Weekends, a 501(c)(3) volunteer nonprofit that seeks to increase the creative vitality of Westfield through accessible, affordable and educational programming that celebrates the diversity of life in Westfield.
