Dogs go to art; center goes to dogs

       For an hour or so Aug. 5, the Bear Creek Nature Center became the “dog nature center.” Enjoying the dog-art exhibit (and standing in front of a
1991 painting by area artist Mary Helsaple titled “The
Father of All Retrievers”) are (from left) Helsaple; Nature
Center interpretive specialist Paula Megorden and her dog,
Evie Wonder; Sarah Smith and her dog, Maggie; and Bear
Creek Nature Center Director (also the collection owner) Donna Scheeter and her dog, Ali Bubba, at the center’s Dog Days art show opening Aug. 5.
Westside Pioneer photo
       The occasion was the Dog Days Art Celebration & Opening Reception, which drew visits from about 15 canines and their owners. The 20 or so paintings on display, all dog-related, were from the collection of Donna Scheeter, the director of El Paso County's Bear Creek and Fountain nature centers.
       “One of the reasons I did it was for the people that come down here with their dogs,” said Scheeter, who had her own Labrador in tow. “They're so proud of their dogs and so passionate.”
       The free exhibit will be on display at the center through Labor Day (Sept. 4). Artists include John Weiss, Scott Kennedy, Jim Killen, Linda Daniels, Braldt Bralds and Mary Helsaple.
       “People communicate with nature and life through their dogs,” said Helsaple, a local artist who attended the opening.

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