thePULSEBy Steph Moore
The Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) was chosen as this year’s non-profit organization to benefit from the Dark World Gallery’s (DWG) Skate of the Art 3; Vans on the Wall annual fundraiser.
Sponsored by Concrete Wave in Worcester, owner Brian Hansen received assistance from the company Vans, which donated 30 pairs of white sneakers for the event. Artists were invited to pick up a pair to show off their skills and create one-of-a-kind masterpieces for a silent auction.
The works of art produced by the 28 participants are scheduled to be unveiled at the DWG on Saturday, August 6th at 7 p.m. People are invited to peruse the shoes and place bids on wanted items. The auction is silent and will close at the end of August. Those who bid are encouraged to stop by the gallery throughout the month to watch for competitors’ overbids in an effort to ensure the winning offer. Online submissions are not available.
Brian’s brother, Jon Hansen, is the curator of DWG. When asked why the duo chose to deliver the profits to WARL, he said, “I have had dogs in my life since I was born, and animal shelters are something close to me as myself and other friends and family have adopted pets through them. I am staunchly opposed to mall pet stores where most of their animals come from puppy mills and other unreliable breeders. After a bit of research, we decided WARL was a great shelter and could benefit from this art show.”
The WARL will have an information booth up for people interested in learning more about either the animals available or volunteer/foster opportunities.
The Dark World Gallery (www.darkworldgallery.com) is located at 179 Grafton Street in Worcester. This is the third annual fundraiser the brothers have put on together.
About Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) 
Founded in 1912 by a group of women determined to save overworked and abused farm horses, WARL continues this legacy of love for animals. As a no-kill, private, non-profit organization that does not receive any county, state, or federal funding, WARL relies heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers. The facility annually assists over 2500 cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies in the 17 communities surrounding Worcester MA. Programs and services include lost and found, boarding, adoptions, low-cost spay/neuter & vaccine clinics, end-of-life/euthanasia, educational programs, foster and volunteer opportunities. Now the largest animal shelter in Central Massachusetts, WARL is a limited intake shelter, accepting pets only when enough kennel space is available; it does not believe in time or space limits for adoptable pets, and uses every resource available to place each one. Today, WARL is led by Executive Director Allie Simone and a staff of 18. Located at 139 Holden Street in Worcester, WARL is open Mon-Sat from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, and Sun from 12 noon to 4PM. Visit www.worcester-arl.org, WARL’s facebook page, or call 508.853.0030.
