Perhaps you are familiar with GPAC, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. If not, you should be! The array of opportunities GPAC offers is vast and benefits those embedded in the arts and those who are supporters.

Upcoming, and noteworthy for its relatability and ingenuity, is their event Unleashed: Artist Party + Dog Fashion Show on Wednesday, September 3rd at the New Hazlett Theater from 5:30-9pm. The event intends to ruffle your feathers in anticipation for ArtDOG, Arts Days of Giving. And while we may be slightly biased at Treading Art (it’s possible we’ve been accused of being obsessive dog lovers) this happening has enough components to satisfy even the moodiest of critics.

Of course, the evening will commence with the Dog Fashion Show which GPAC member Artists and Arts Organizations are encouraged to enter! You will have the chance to show off your pup couture skills and receive wooflike prizes. Celebrity commentator Jim Cunningham of WQED’s Weekday Morning Show will emcee the fashion proceedings which will also introduce ArtDOG’s mascot (fortunately for us, adoptable from Animal Friends!).

If you are biting at the bone, get in touch with your canine informant Mr. Dave English at denglish@pittsburghartscouncil.org for the exclusive details.

The fashion show will be further enlivened with an enticing award component. ATTENTION all ARTISTS - during the costume spectacular five of you artistically blessed will be chosen at random - in front of the lively audience - to enthrone the Unleashed Artists Fund and receive an endowment on Arts Day of Giving!!!

Following this excitement the second act of the event will be held inside the New Hazlett Theater and oriented around artful adventures for the upright walking (so please be sure to make arrangements for your furry friend). Have your portrait snapped with ArtDOG, the newly crowned celebrity, cheers to the festive participants with delicious food and drinks and enjoy a multimedia lineup of live performances including: Nate Da Phat Barber (DJ), Tami Dixon (acting), Leslie Mcilroy (poetry), Gena y Pena (music), Blaine Seigel (visual arts), Dave Bernabo (music) and Jill Stifel (dance).   

GPAC also encourages its followers to participate in the ArtDOG Meme Competition!

If you’re an artist, aspiring designer or self-taught skill gloater you are challenged to create a meme that will make all of Pittsburgh roar, and is arts and culture related, of course. The deadline is September 3rd. Get your name out there, win prizes and have your work recognized at the main event. Check out these irresistible subjects for your meme use: 

Post your finished product here and share it with your social media masses! If you collect the most votes, you could be heading to either Meat and Potatoes (have you tried their Bloody Mary brunch bar!?), Grit and Grace (need I mention their dim sum), receive tickets to Bricolage, or vouchers to Cultural Trust venues (oh, the places you’ll go!).

So won’t you join us to get in gear for ArtDOG and enjoy the best get down and jive end of summer gig. Make it an event with all of your best canine and arts loving friends and purchase your $10 tickets here!

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