Westfield On Weekends’ summer exhibition will include a photo contest featuring dogs and cats. These cats were drawn by James Johnson-Corwin, co/curator of the exhibit, and be will included in the show.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WESTFIELD — Westfield on Weekends has announced its summer exhibit “Great Dogs & Cool Cats of Summer” will open on Aug. 1 at the WOW Center in downtown.
This year’s exhibition will include, like last year, a photo contest for pet owners and will combine with the gallery’s art exhibit entitled “Old Westfield’s Lost Album of Forgotten Cats.”
The exhibit combines the gallery’s 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.
“We knew from last year, because of the many requests to include cat,s it was important to expand the show to include them,” said James Johnson-Corwin, who is co-curating the show with WOW President Bob Plasse.
As part of the exhibition, WOW is asking pet owners and those who love them to submit one dog or cat photo, either currently in their lives or in memory of a beloved animal that has crossed the rainbow bridge, Plasse said.
“We’ll make copies of the photos submitted and make them available online and we’ll display them on the gallery walls so that visitors can vote on their favorites,” Plasse said, adding that in-person voting will begin on Aug. 1.
Submissions must be received by Monday, Aug. 15, or dropped off by Aug. 14, and must follow the official these guidelines: a high-resolution — at least 3000 by 2400 — photo, with clear images that don’t include humans or have been photographed by a professional in JPG, TIF or PNG formats.
Johnson-Corwin also encouraged children to draw their cats so WOW can include them as part of the exhibit at the center located at 105 Elm St. in the heart of Westfield’s new Cultural District.
Physical photocopies — no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches — with a completed submission form, which can be found on the WOW website or picked up in-person, 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.
The gallery’s art exhibit, “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.
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.
“As the story goes, during the ’30s and the ’40s 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 said. “Johnson-Corwin has reimagined the portraits and we have accompanied his whimsical illustrations with journey stories for each of the cats.”
“As a tribute to T.S. Eliot ‘Old Westfield’s Lost Album of Forgotten Cats,’ I re-illustrated the cats in the book,” Johnson-Corwin said of his work that will be displayed as part of the exhibit.
He also said that the exhibit is to let people know that cats can be adopted from local shelters and those who adopt homeless cats.
The photo contest will culminate in a final reception and judging on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1-3 p.m. with judging beginning at 2 p.m. 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 Great Dogs and Cool Cats of Summer” will be on display from Aug. 1 to Sept. 13 during WOW Gallery hours: Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 6:30-9 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. 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.
For a complete calendar of Westfield on Weekends events, and to stay updated on summer happenings, visit westfieldonweekends.com or follow Westfield on Weekends on Facebook.
