By Meredeth Barzen

‘Tis the season for swimming, walking and general frolicking in and around our state’s festive lakes, and to celebrate, Lintu Art’s popular Dogs Around the Lakes series is back for the third year in a row. Artist Sarah Thornton gave Sidewalk Dog the inside scoop on this fun, whimsical project:

Last year's Dogs of Lake Harriet print

What is Dogs Around the Lakes? How did you get the idea?

Dogs Around the Lakes is a print series (not a calendar as a few people assume, but that is a good idea for a future development) created after a group of photo shoots and group walks at the lakes to celebrate the summer weather, our beautiful walking areas and our dog friends. Dogs Around the Lakes developed during the summer of 2008 when I would walk Lake Harriet’s loop with my dog Marilyn. We would see people and dogs at the lake socializing, smiling and soaking in the summer. I wanted to capture that experience with my artwork and also find an excuse to meet all these awesome dogs!

How did it go last year?

Last year’s experience was awesome and I’ve met so many new friends both human and dog. I was able to have events at Lakes Harriet, Calhoun, Isles and Nokomis in 2009 with more than 100 dogs participating as candidates for the prints. I was also fortunate to catch up with a few 2008 participants. I love hearing back from people about how they and their dogs are doing. They become my neighbors with this project no matter how far they live from me.

Henry, a 2009 Dog Around a Lake

Do you have a favorite piece from last year?

Favorites are always too difficult to choose. Everyone has a unique story and experience to share, but there are a few memories that stick out from 2009. At Lake Nokomis I was fortunate to have a family with two Borzois with really solid Russian names: Pushkin and Talisker. This was my first experience meeting this breed and they were so tall and graceful. What made it even better is that my next photo shoot was with a Shih Tzu. When they crossed paths, the Borzoi looked even taller!

Where will it be taking place?

This year, Lake Harriet will be May 22nd and open to dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors. The group walk will be at noon, with photo sessions available in the morning and afternoon. For Lake Calhoun on June 20th, I will be partnering with Heather Rosenwald of Start Seeing Black Dogs and we’re inviting black or mostly black dogs to come out to help spread the word about the low adoption rate among mixed breed black dogs in shelters. New additions to 2010 include Dogs Along the River for both downtown Minneapolis and my college town, Northfield (August 29th and August 14^th, respectively). For the downtown Minneapolis addition, Toast Wine Bar will be hosting the after party for humans and dogs. In Northfield, we will be supporting Prairie’s Edge Humane Society (formerly Rice County Humane Society). The city of North Oaks has also invited me to create a print for The Dogs of North Oaks similar to the Dogs Around the Lakes print.

Last year's print is unveiled at Lake Harriet.

Tell us about your work with A Rotta Love Plus.

A Rotta Love Plus is very close to my heart. My new addition, George, came through their program and my life wouldn’t be the same without him! I curate an art show each year called Deviant Art: Dispelling Myths. This show is to benefit and spread awareness about ARLP. In April, more than 25 talented artists participated and drew almost 500 guests. We’ve already had artists calling from across the country to participate in the 2011 show.

Don’t miss Lintu Art at this weekend’s Art-A-Whirl festival, when Sarah’s studio (390) in the Northrup King Building will be open and hosting a few guest artists including Jezroc Metal Works (as seen at Deviant Art).

"Lily," by WACSO

By Meredeth Barzen

While the Twin Cities certainly isn’t lacking in talented pet artists (see: pooch painters Stray Dog Arts and Lintu Art)—or talented artists in general, for that matter—one has emerged who stands out from the crowd for his stylized, hyper-local treatment of the people, places and pups that populate our fair cities. WACSO (stands for Walkin’ Around Checkin’ Stuff Out)—a.k.a. Robb Burnham—takes inspiration from everything around him, as his name would suggest. Often, it’ll be the fuzzy face of a four-legged pal, but you’ll see local landmarks like restaurants, architecture and adorable old men on benches represented in his work as well. WACSO will draw your dog if you’d like him too—but he won’t take any money for it, just a suggested $100 donation to a pet rescue (check out this recent portrait of his neighbor, M.A. Rosko’s dog Munter.)

"Munter," by WACSO

“I get a lot of requests from strangers all around the country, which was a bit odd at first because I would really rather meet the dog in person, but I’ve got it down to where I ask them to send me as many photos of the dog as they can. That gives me a pretty good idea of what the dog is like,” Burnham says of his commissioned dog drawings. “I don’t want payment for these drawings so I ask for a donation to be made in my name to a shelter/rescue. I’ll send them a hi-resolution file that they can print however they would like. People have made T-shirts, calendars, mugs … I just had a woman use my drawing to get a tattoo of her dog that passed away. It looked awesome, and I think it was great therapy for her.”

Here’s a look into the philosophy and process that is WACSO:

"Sharing the Bed" by WACSO features the artist's own dogs, Frankie and Grady.

Do you have any dogs?

I have two dogs: a female English bulldog named Frankie and a little block-of-cement French bulldog named Grady. Frankie likes to watch TV—in fact, if the TV is off, she’ll yip until the TV is turned on, and she’ll actually growl at the mugshots they show on news programs. She knows who the bad guys are; it’s pretty funny.

What’s your favorite dog-friendly spot in town?

Sitting outside at Java Jack’s Coffee Cafe is awesome.

Do your dogs make it into your drawings?

Yes, I constantly draw my dogs.

How long have you been drawing?

I’ve been drawing all my life, but didn’t really get serious about it until about five years ago.

Your work really celebrates the everyday and the local—what is it about those subjects that compels you to portray them?

I like everyday things. Life isn’t all about taking big vacations and going to exotic locations. We’re surrounded by all kinds of cool everyday stuff; we just have to stop and look for it. I had done a drawing of the Blackbird Cafe a while back because it’s a cool place. Well, sadly, it burned down recently—such a drag, but I started getting messages from people requesting prints of the drawing. It was really cool to see what that drawing suddenly meant to people and the importance of appreciating and celebrating the things we have.

"Dog in a Coffee Shop," by WACSO

What sorts of characteristics make you want to draw a certain dog? Physical traits? Personality? Setting? Owner?

I’ll draw any dog; they are all awesome. Think about it: You can be having the crappiest day of all time and see a dog and smile—what else can do that?

Why do you like drawing dogs in general?

The dog drawings just seem to make people happy. They make me happy drawing them … I laugh most of the time I’m drawing.

How long does it take you to do a drawing?

It’s hard to say how long a drawing takes; I lose track of time, but I’ll usually do dozens of drawings of a dog before I get the one I like best. Sometimes the best version is the first one I draw and sometimes it’s the last.

How do you decide what form it’s going to take (i.e. single-line drawing, detailed, with or without color, etc?)

I will usually do a few different styles; one-line drawings, a more refined style, add color, etc …, and see which I like best when I’m done.

"Shaggy Dog #3," by WACSO

Do you approach strangers and ask if you can draw their dogs? Are they usually game, or do you ever get resistance?

I’m a pretty shy person. I don’t mind talking to the dogs; it’s owners I have trouble with.

Where can people find your work?

Become a fan of my Facebook page! It’s now dedicated to just my dog drawings. I try to put up a new one every couple of days. You can also check out my Web site, which has all of my drawings.

What do you like about the Twin Cities?

The Twin Cities are fantastic—love it here. Tons of dogs, tons of places to walk dogs and the people are cool. I even dig the winters—all those dogs in boots and outfits crack me up.

By Meredeth Barzen

This holiday season you don’t have to leave any dog or dog lover off the list because there’s no shortage of inspired gifts from local artists, manufacturers and shops. Here are a few of our favorites for you to check out as you check off your list.

Clothing

For doggie clothing that has it all — style, attitude and an eco-friendly twist — visit the Climutt online boutique. All pieces, conceived and created by local designer Sydney Holcomb, are made from pieces of fabric that were formerly parts of human fashion statements. (**Mention Sidewalk Dog in the notes portion of your online order and save $5 through Dec. 31, 2008.)

Hip clothing from Climutt.

Gear

Now every dog — big dogs included — can look fashionable with collars and leashes from bark+biscuit. Everything is created by local designer, Alisha Zavadil, and is heavy duty enough for everyday wear.

Designer collars for big and small dogs from bark+biscuit.

And, no parent of a Sidewalk Dog should be without the Stunt Runner leash from Stunt Puppy created by local Ken Goldman. The versatile leash is perfect for running, walking or shopping with your dog, tethering them outside at a pit stop or when you need a short lead to get to and from the car to the dog park.

The versatile Stunt Runner leash for running, walking and shopping, from Stunt Puppy.

Art

Give the dog lover in your life a lasting memory of their dog by gifting a painted portrait from artist Jessie Marianello, founder of Stray Dog Arts, or Sarah Anderson of Lintu Art. All you need to commission a portrait is a photo for the artist to work from.

Print and photography from Lintu Art that capture’s your dog’s personality.

Commissioned art from Stray Dog Arts that capture’s your dog’s spirit.

For any pet lover who has lost a pet or whose pet is experiencing a serious health issue, Pet Reliquaries, by local designer Lisa Havelin, creates custom lockets and pendants to  help dog parents keep their loved one close to their heart at all times.

Pendants from Pet Reliquaries.

Also creating beautiful stone sculptures to celebrate and commemorate past and present pets in our lives is local artist Mark Clements of Follow The Muse. His sculptures can be personalized and are great for outdoor or indoor display.

Follow the Muse hand-sculpted stone to commemorate your pet.

Photo Sessions

And though no dog lover I know is void of photos of their dog, you may consider a professional photo session that can function as family art. Consider gifting a photo session with Patrick Nau or for family-oriented flair, Sara Beth Photography if it’s all about the dog, or Olive Juice Studios for their unique “dog-umentary” approach.

What dog lover wouldn’t love a professional photo featuring their dog, like this one from Olive Juice Studios?

Give Back and Save a Pet

More than 100 shelters and rescue groups around the Greater Twin Cities area are in need of food, toys, treats and monetary donations. Why not consider gifting a donation, in the name of a dog lover on your list, to his or her favorite animal welfare group? For a list of groups throughout the Minnesota visit Petfinder.com. You can also check out their Sponsor-A-Pet Program where you can also see a list of local shelters who have individual pets who need sponsors to provide food and care.

More Ideas

Leave no dog off your list! For more gifts and ideas be sure to visit local stores Bone Adventure, Lulu and Luigi and Corazon.