Screening supports animal group

A nonprofit that uses art activism to raise awareness and help cultivate compassion for animals is hosting a fundraiser and screening.

An Act to Dog will screen a 30-minute documentary on its work at 7 p.m. May 16 at Jean Cocteau Cinema, 418 Montezuma Ave. The founders of the group will be on hand for questions after the film and a display of the group’s paintings will be in the lobby.

The PBS documentary has been aired several times and a PBS film crew will be doing a follow-up documentary. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary, which focuses on senior animals and hospice care. Migratory Bird Day with special activities and a book signing.

The May 12 event at the center, 19 Wheat St., in Española, starts at 11 a.m. with wildlife presentations, refreshments and arts and crafts activities for children. Linda Compton, author of Winged Gifts of Grace, will have a book signing and photographers will display and sell images.

The event kicks off a campaign dubbed the Year of the Bird and is a celebration of the partnership of the Environment for the Americas, the Convention of Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds and the groups’ efforts to increase awareness of the plight of migratory birds around the globe.

The Wildlife Center works to conserve and restore native wildlife and their habitats through education, awareness, partnerships and wildlife rehabilitation. The center’s staff and volunteers are preparing for spring’s “baby season” and has improved some animal enclosures thanks to special donations.