clarification: family pet photos

Photos of family pets are welcome in the Paws For Charity Project....as long as they are "artistic" or "scenic" and not "family snapshots". If in doubt, send it along!

2012 Art Book Project

Now accepting submissions for the 2012 Paws For Charity Art Book Project!

What is the "Paws For Charity Art Book Project"?

2012 is the fourth annual Art Book curated by me, and the third edition of the Paws For Charity Project. The book will include images of dogs and cats (the "paws" part of the project) contributed by artists and photographers. Artists donate jpeg versions of their images (either artwork or artistic photographs) for use in the project. Copyright of the images remain with the artist. Amateur artists/photographers are welcome to participate!

All proceeds from this year's project will be donated to S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia (the "for charity" part of the project).

How will my images be used?

Using contributed jpeg images from artists, the following products are produced and sold with all proceeds being donated to charity. Copyright of the images remain with the artist.

1. Coffee Table Book - published through blurb.com

The book will be 10 inches wide by 8 inches high, and will be published through Blurb.com . Each page will feature the artwork or photographs from one artist. The page will also include a small photo of the artist, a brief bio of the artist, and a brief statement from the artist. My goal is to include a minimum of 65 - 70 artists.

You can view last year's project here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2085036 and the 2010 project here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1252849

2. Wall Calendar for the calendar year 2013 - published through lulu.com in October

3. Greeting cards - from participating artists (see below)

Tell me more about the greeting cards?

1. Artists will have the option of having one or more of their images printed on blank greeting cards - this is totally optional and not required to participate in the project.

($40 per image for the printing of 25 professionally printed high quality greeting cards, sized 5 by 8 inches. 18 cards and envelopes will be mailed to the artist, 7 cards retained by Paws For Charity and sold through pawsforcharity.etsy.com with all proceeds donated to the designated charity).

2. Artists will have the option of having one or more of their images printed on postcards - this is totally optional and not required to participate in the project.

($20 per image for the printing of 100 professionally printed postcards, sized approx 4 by 6 inches. 75 postcards will be mailed to the artist, 25 postcards retained by Paws For Charity and sold through pawsforcharity.etsy.com with all proceeds donated to the designated charity).

If I am interested in participating, or have some questions, what do I do?

1. Contact Sara: saraharley(at)eastlink(dot)ca

2. Include:

- your full name (as you want it printed in the book),

- your website or blog address,

- the titles of your images,

- a photo of you,

- a brief bio (3rd person, 3 or 4 sentences),

- and an artist's statement (2 or 3 sentences about your artwork, or why you want to be involved in the project, or anything else you'd like to say to the readers)

3. Email up to 5 images (artwork or artistic photographs of dogs or cats...no snapshots of family pets please!) by February 29, 2012. You will be sent a release form when I receive your images. (or I can send it to you before you send your images...just ask)

4. If you have a "paws" image that you think might be good for our front & back book covers, send that along too (will not be included as part of your five submissions)

5. Your images cannot be considered for the project unless a release form is received. Copyright of your images remains with you.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope you will participate in the 2012 Project!

BOGO sale - greeting cards

BOGO Sale until December 1st on greeting cards in our etsy shop! (www.pawsforcharity.etsy.com)

Purchase one card, and receive a second card free...just put your choice in the comment box when you check out.

Also take a look at our Love From Me etsy shop (www.lovefromme.etsy.com) for more BOGO deals!

Love From Me Project

In November 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you have followed Paws For Charity, you know that we have been donating to breast cancer charity for the past 5 years. Because of my cancer diagnosis in November, I decided to take the project in a new and exciting direction.

Are you an artist or photographer? Read on...
Do you know an artist or photographer? Please pass this information along to them.

Introducing The "Love From Me" Project!

2011 is the first year for The Love From Me Project. It was inspired by the 2009 and 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book Project, which was also created by me. Paws For Charity raised $5,500 for breast cancer charity.

The purpose of the Love From Me Art Book is to provide inspiration to people going through a period of personal challenge, and to raise funds for cancer charity. The book will be divided into several inspirational themes:
1. Courage, Determination, Strength
2. Family, Friendship
3. Love, Laughter
4. Peace, Serenity
5. Nature
6. Faith

This year's project will include:
1. A coffee table art book
2. Poster and postcards
3. Wall calendar
4. Greeting cards (participation optional)

The Love From Me Art Book will contain artwork and photography that has been donated by artists around the world...all designed to inspire and lift the spirits of the reader. Although targeted to cancer patients, the book will be an inspiration to anyone facing life challenges.

All proceeds from the project will be donated to the Rose Fund c/o the Health Services Foundation in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. This is a registered charity created to help cancer patients deal with financial difficulties. You can read the story behind the Rose Fund here.

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2011. All artwork and photographs will be considered, as long as they fall under the project's themes. (the Paws For Charity Project included only dog and cat images)

For details on how to submit your images, go to the Love From Me Project blog (http://www.lovefrommeproject.blogspot.com/) and click on the "How To Submit" button at the top of the page. Full details about the project are on the "Details" page.

If you're a facebooker, here is the link to the Love From Me fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-From-Me/131223443608070

Let's get inspired! Love From Me

Countdown begins

One month until the 2011 Paws For Charity Art Book Project starts taking submissions!
Read what some of the 2010 participants thought about this year's project:

Kerry Ould (www.silverliningphoto.ca) "The thing that struck me most about my participation in the 2010 project, was how so many animal-loving artists were able to come together to support a common goal of supporting the fight against cancer with some truly amazing artwork. I was personally thrilled to be able to donate my images, and honoured to be included among such talent."

Angie Ketelhut (www.arbyangie.com): "To be able to contribute to such an amazing book project was a beautiful opportunity to combine two loves of my lives~pets & art~ to benefit a wonderful cause. This disease affects the lives of so many and only by supporting this cause together can we make a step closer to finding a cure."

Debbie Virgin Shook, (www.squeakdogphoto.com, www.squeakdogphotoblog.com): "I am honored to be a part of this project that highlights our incredible relationship and fondness for animals, while raising money for a cause near and dear to my heart. The beautiful books make lovely heartfelt gifts filled with love and true meaning. I look forward to the potential of being a part of the book again next year!"

Melissa Langer (www.pugnotes.com): "I was truly honored to be involved in the Paws for Charity 2010 Art Book. Coming together with such talented artists to raise funds for Breast Cancer research is the most important and rewarding way to share my art with others."

Tianna Fisher (www.paintingcatsanddogs.com): "I am honored to be a part of this project. I think it is a worthwhile cause that deserves all the support it can get. Many of my friends and family have been directly affected by breast cancer and it is something to be taken seriously. I am grateful for projects like this and dedicated people like Sara to help us move forward in breast cancer research. Paws For Charity deserves many more happy years to
come!"

Nancy Schutt (www.nancyschutt.com) "You produced a beautiful book that truly shows the joy and love one receives when sharing life with animals. Our pets truly are beloved family members and the images are all about that. It's fun to flip through the book and explore the different ways that artists see and portray the animals they treasure, and it's an honor to have been a part of it."

Heather T (www.freeinspiringphotos.com, www.heathertmemoirs.blogspot.com): "When I received your email, accepting one of my photos for your book, I was so extremely honored. For me, it was so much more than just getting my photo in a published book; it really dug deep, knowing that something so special to us could touch others and bring hope into areas of darkness. I was able to witness, first hand, the changes that a woman lives with as she battles breast cancer. To know that the profit's from this 2010 book went to the Avon Foundation for women with breast cancer really put an exclamation point on my excitement."

Jan Swan (www.zhibit.org/janswan): "It was wonderful to combine my love of animal photography with such a worthy cause and in such high quality publications. I thoroughly enjoyed everyone's art and photography and liked learning about each artist."

Christmas Cards

The perfect Christmas card for Aussie lovers...Spring's Coming? by Diane Schuller (www.dianeschuller.com). Cards are available for purchase in the Paws For Charity Etsy Shop. Shipping is included in the price, and all proceeds are donated to breast cancer charity.

Chilly Dogs - Top MomPreneur 2010

Congratulations to Julie Kelly, owner/founder of Chilly Dogs and co-founder of Paws For Charity. Julie has been selected as one of the top 50 MomPreneurs for 2010! "I've been so fortunate to be able to stay home with my family and at the same time pursue my personal dreams. I could not be were I am today without the support and love of my husband, family and friends. THANK YOU! " - Julie

Congratulations Julie!