Puppy Love reception Feb. 7

The eighth annual Puppy Love photography show will be on display at A Novel Experience during February. The kick-off artists reception is set for Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. for ‘Puppy Love: A Celebration of Unconditional Love.’ Proceeds from the show will benefit local animal rescue group and 501(c)3 non-profit humane society Coco’s Cupboard.Visitors will be able to meet many of the photographers that were chosen for the show by juror Kathy Wolfe, a well-known commercial and fine art photographer and mixed media artist. She will be sharing her thoughts about the show, the selection process and her choices for awards.  ’One of the reasons photographers are drawn to this show is because it allows them to combine their love of photography with their love of dogs,’ said curator Donna Thompson. ‘Puppy Love is definitely a favorite at the bookstore and the exhibit this year is exceptional.’The artists reception will feature hot dogs and chips and beverages. Guests are encouraged to bring a bag of dog food for the annual Fill a Bowl – Feed a Pup drive that will help local rescue group Coco’s Cupboard. There will be a dog trivia contest and a raffle of dog-themed gifts, treats and photographs. ’Last year we initiated a challenge for all guests attending the opening reception called FAB and we were all overwhelmed with the response. FAB stands for Fill a Bowl because when you fill a bowl, you feed a pup,’ said show curator Donna Thompson. ’We’ll continue the challenge again this year and encourage guests to bring a bag of dog food with them to the reception to help restock Coco’s food pantry. Such a simple act is a great benefit to those in need.’  There will also be foster dogs from Coco’s Cupboard at the reception to meet guests. They will take part in a unique Project Woofway. Because this night is dedicated to spotlight the foster dogs, canine attendance will be limited to those from the rescue.  ’The staff at A Novel Experience thanks the public for leaving their own dogs home for this event,’ said Chris Curry. ‘This is the night to spotlight some of the wonderful dogs who are eagerly waiting to find their forever homes.’Through the month the public is invited to vote for their favorite photograph for the People’s Choice prize which will be announced at the end of February.Many of the photographs are for sale and a portion of the sale will be donated to Coco’s Cupboard. ‘It’s a great show and a great cause,’ said Curry. ‘Photography collectors take memorable photographs home and contribute to a potential new life for a dog.’