Zooinitas Exhibit Let’s the Fur and Feathers Fly While Promoting Local Animal Program

ENCINITAS, Calif. - June 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Zooinitas: An opening reception will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 1 to 4 PM at the Encinitas Library Gallery at 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas.  “Zooinitas artists are proud to be a part of the vibrant art scene in Encinitas,” according to Cheryl Ehlers, a local artist and curator of the 2014 Zoonitas art exhibition. “Encinitas is home to a diverse population of talented artists. During the opening reception our guests will experience all forms of artistic expression.”

Presenting an outstanding exhibition of fine art, we invite you to experience live music by Second Cousins, an opportunity to meet the artists, a silent auction, choose to donate a new toy for Toys for Pups, and enjoy delicious refreshments!  Guests at the reception will have the rare opportunity to step into “virtual studios.” Each artist will have one hour to complete an original handmade work of art. Participants include wildlife and landscape artist Gary Johnson, muralist and fine art instructor Linda Luisi, and Joan Hanson, a nature artist, instructor and book illustrator. During a silent auction afterward the guests with the highest bids will take home the original works of art “fresh off the easel.”

We’re so honored that these local artists have chosen Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Animal Safehouse Program as the beneficiary of Zooinitas,” says Amy Heflin, Director of the program. “Safehouse is a safety net for the pets of domestic violence victims. When they know their pets will be safe, it allows them to escape and break the chain of violence.  Safehouse is also a lifeline for veterans, senior citizens, accident victims, and…most recently…victims of the fires. Thank you Zooinitas!”

“"The figures on Domestic Violence are staggering.  I had the privilege of attending a summit on domestic violence put together by County Supervisor Dave Roberts. I listened intently to a heartbreaking talk by Lieutenant Kalani Hudson of San Diego County Animal Services about the plight of our animal friends who are often the silent victims of domestic violence. Many times victims of domestic violence will stay in abusive relationships because they simply can’t take their animal friends with them and are too afraid to leave them.  In addition, those who do leave, often their pets unfortunately become the victim as the abuser transfers their rage onto the innocent animal. The Safehouse Program is vital, giving victims of Domestic Abuse the option of protection for their pets therefore freeing them to seek their own safety.  Safehouse is the only program of its kind in Southern California and must remain active, continuing to be supported”, states Art Commissioner, Francine Filsinger.

“All of the artists are excited and we have a lot going on” added Ehlers.  “We’re ready to let the “fur and feathers fly” while you enjoy a wonderful afternoon.  Free to the public, bring your family and friends, meet the artists and discuss their work. Exhibiting artists are: Adele Richert, Bobbi Harrington, Brian Batemen, Bruce Stewart, Cheryl Ehlers, Debra Saum, Francine Filsinger, Gary Johnson, Gwenn Beoppe, Joan Hansen, Krista Timberlake, Linda Luisi, Mo McGee, Stephen Frank Gary, Terry Oshrin, Thomas Thomas and Tish Wynne who proudly represent Zooinitas.

This exhibit is one of 46 exhibitions currently part of the Encinitas Civic Art program, one of the largest programs in North County representing local art.  “We are pleased to be able to provide artists a venue that they can exhibit in as well as promote our community programs.  It becomes a winning situation for everyone when the artists go the extra yard to bring awareness to the arts,  this will be a wonderful opportunity for the public,” stated Jim Gilliam, Encinitas Arts Administrator.

The Zooinitas exhibit runs through August 24 at the Encinitas Library Art Gallery, open 7 days a week, Mon-Sat, 10am – 5pm, Sun – 12-5pm.  For more information about Zoonitas call 760-519-1551 or visit us at http://www.zooinitas.zohosites.com.  For more information about the Animal Safehouse Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society visit the shelter at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, and visit  http://rchumanesociety.org/