Wine and Design Fundraiser Raises Funds and Awareness for Asheville Animal Rescue Shelter Brother Wolf (www.bwar.org) was formed in the fall of 2006 by a small group of volunteers and later incorporated in the spring of 2007. The organization became a licensed shelter in June 2009. Over the next year, Brother Wolf had successfully found homes for 1,300 cats and dogs. The shelter also works closely with Buncombe County and other animal rescue groups in a program called the Animal Coalition of Buncombe County.
To tie in with Brother Wolf’s mission, the fundraiser featured a “Paint Your Pet” theme. Participants submitted a photo of their pet, which was then transferred onto a 16 x 20 canvas prior to the event. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Executive Director, Denise Bitz—one of the organization’s original founders—says that the event was fun and the finished results of the paintings were amazing.
“I couldn’t believe how the pictures came out,” said Bitz. “Everyone’s animals looked like they were created by professional artists…even mine, and I don’t have an artistic bone in my body! We’re hoping to do this fundraiser again [at Wine and Design] around Mother’s Day as people will be looking for gift ideas for their mothers. What a great thing to do for mom—painting a picture of her beloved four-legged friend!”
Wine and Design opened its doors in Asheville in December 2011 and is owned and managed by Ece Okar. The studio provides the canvas, aprons, paints, paintbrushes, cups, and corkscrew and attendees provide a beverage of his or her choosing. First-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro’s browse the studio’s website to find a painting they would like to replicate. The painting sessions start at $35 per person and are led by a local artist that guides participants through a carefully-orchestrated, step-by-step process that promises “memories and a masterpiece” in two hours. Okar says that she is grateful for everyone who “signed up, sipped up, and came out to support a very worthwhile cause.”
“It was really fun to work with Brother Wolf,” says Okar. “I really appreciate the time and effort they put into making sure animals are adopted safely. They are truly a great animal rescue, and I’ll continue to do what I can to help them in their important cause.”
For more information about hosting a fundraiser or a special event at Wine and Design, call (828) 255-2442. To view upcoming classes and to register, visit www.wineanddesignnc.com/asheville.
