The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Art of the dog
‘Tails of NWCT’ fundraiser a treasure hunt in search of decorated dogs
TORRINGTON — There are statues of dogs around the northwest corner, and can only be found with a special map provided by the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation and Prime Time House.
The public display of the Tails of NWCT dogs has begun. The collaborative public art project brings together three nonprofit organizations, 39 sponsors and 34 artists from Northwest Connecticut in an effort to build a sense of community in the region, promote tourism, enhance the exposure of local artists, beautify the business districts and towns, and encourage foot traffic into local businesses.
The dogs will be on display from Labor Day through Columbus Day. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take to the trails to see the tails. A map of the dogs on display is available at www.tailsofnwct.org, and print copies can be found at the partner organizations and sponsor locations. In addition, two family-friendly contests are planned during
the public display period. Visit the dogs to discover their names and complete the contest form, or take a selfie with at least three dogs and post on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #tailsofnwct.
Dogs that are not purchased by their sponsors will be available for bidding at the Tails of NW CT auction, set for Oct. 20 at Chatterley’s banquet facility. Contest winners will be announced at the auction.
All proceeds will benefit the three collaborating organizations, enabling them to strengthen arts and culture, provide scholarship opportunities, and improve the mental health of those living in Northwest Connecticut.
For more information about the project, visit www.TAILSofNWCT.org or call the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce at 860-482-6586.
The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is the region’s central hub for cultural resources and information. The council serves arts and heritage organizations and artists of all disciplines throughout the region by promoting their work and directing them to resources that can help them realize their potential.
They also administer the Regional Initiative Grant program for the state and are known for their free annual Open Your Eyes studio tour, the CultureMAX Awards and the monthly printed events calendar.
The Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation works with the region’s business community, supporting Read Aloud Day, Leadership Northwest, Junior Leadership Northwest, and WOW! Forum, held annually in October.
Through the Chamber Education Foundation, scholarships will assist with higher learning and professional development. These programs and opportunities empower people of all ages and help make Northwest Connecticut a great place to live and work,” foundation members said in a release.
Prime Time House empowers local adults with mental illness to lead productive and independent lives by providing opportunities for education, employment, friendship, housing and transportation.
Members are treated with dignity, respect, and as equal partners in their recovery, according to the release.
“Prime Time is dedicated to reducing stigma and finding meaningful ways for members to better themselves both as individuals and as part of our community,” members said.