Meet Reigning AKC / Eukanuba National Champion
“London” the Standard Poodle
In celebration of dogs in art, the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Bonhams Auction House are hosting their annual charity brunch, Barkfest at Bonhams, on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon, benefiting the AKC Humane Fund, Inc.
Dog lovers and art aficionados are encouraged to bring their dogs, enjoy a light brunch and preview the highly prized dog art and collectibles at Bonhams (580 Madison Avenue, between East 56th and 57th Streets) as well as meet some canine celebrities.
Meet the reigning AKC/Eukanuba National Champion “London,” aka Standard Poodle GCH Jaset’s Satisfaction, as he makes a “casual brunch” appearance before he heads to the grooming salon to primp for his appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show the next day. London will be updating his Facebook fans and Twitter followers about all the beautiful artwork and new canine (and human) friends he meets at Barkfest including the 2011 AKC Humane Fund ACE Therapy Dog honoree Miki the Pomeranian, who will share his experiences on AKC’s Facebook page.
Bonham’s 30th annual sale will once again contain jewelry, dog collars, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and other dog-related objects, with spectacular works from Arthur Wardle, Valentine Garland, Percival Rosseau, Cecil Aldin, John Emms and over 30 works by Reuben Ward Binks. All items on display will be part of the Bonhams “Dogs in Show & Field: The Fine Art Sale” on Wednesday, February 15th at 10:00 a.m.
Two paintings by the famed canine artist William Henry Hamilton Trood (1860-1899) will be highlights of the ‘Dogs in Show & Field: The Fine Art Sale.’ The first of the works is Hounds in a kennel ($60,000-80,000) and shows a pack of hounds in a kennel. The artist captures the anticipation of the hounds and the composition cleverly draws the viewer in past the robin to the kennel.
Déjeuner ($50,000-70,000) is a sentimental scene of puppies gathered round a bowl, enthusiastically lapping up milk whilst being watched by ducklings, chicks and a cat. Its scale and quality marks it as being one of the finest paintings by the artist to come to auction.
“We are thrilled to welcome New Yorkers and their dogs to this year’s Barkfest, a unique event supporting the AKC Humane Fund,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. “The Fund gives back to the dogs that hold a special place in our hearts through education, outreach and grant-making to deserving organizations.”
“Some of the finest dog art in the world is available year after year at the “Dogs in Show & Field: The Fine Art Sale,” said Alan Fausel, Director of Fine Art for Bonhams New York. “We’re happy to welcome the public to The Barkfest, where they can view these incredible canine works and support a great cause – the AKC Humane Fund – at the same time.”
All proceeds from Barkfest at Bonhams benefit The American Kennel Club Humane Fund Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity which promotes the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant making.
Admission is a $50 advance donation to The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. with reservation by phone or online or $60 at the door. RSVP via phone at 212-696-8306 or online.
For more information on the preview Brunch on Sunday, February 12th and the Dog Art Sale on Wednesday, February 15th, visit www.bonhams.com/dogsale or www.akc.org.