The Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL), which turns 100 this April, begins its 2012 year-long anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, February 8, from 6-9 p.m. with Pets that Paint: An Exhibit of Animal Art at Dzian Gallery, 65 Water Street, Worcester. The paintings in the show were created by shelter pets and are available for purchase. C.C. Lowell, at 258 Park Avenue, generously framed the artwork for the nonprofit, no-kill shelter.

“We knew we wanted to work with Dzian Gallery because they’ve been so generous to us in the past,” says Mies Bastille, the shelter’s Centennial Manager, referring to the gallery’s donation of proceeds from several of their Ladies’ Night events to the shelter. Bastille, along with other shelter staff and volunteers, helped the four-legged artists bring their masterpieces to life at a painting party at the shelter at 139 Holden Street, Worcester, on January 9.

David Papazian, owner of Dzian Gallery, said he hopes the event will be a great success. “When people feel a connection to the animal, they always want to help,” Papazian says, noting the gallery plans to display the artists’ photographs alongside their work.

The all-ages event, costing $5 at the door, will also feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, free valet parking, and music performed by the acoustic rock trio Ordinary Heart, who is preparing animal-themed music for the event.

About WARL

WARL is a private, nonprofit shelter that has served Worcester and its surrounding communities since 1912. The limited-intake, no-kill shelter is open for adoptions Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and from noon-4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, their website at www.worcester-arl.org, or call (508) 853-0030.