At Sorrel Sky Gallery next weekend, it’s all about the residents of Wolfwood Refuge, the Ignacio nonprofit that offers safe haven to 60 wolves and wolf-dogs.
Wildlife artist Edward Aldrich is leading the charge for the benefit, which will be held Oct. 11 at the gallery. He has donated three of his paintings to the event, and has also invited local artists Karen Littfin and Bryce Pettit, and to contribute pieces as well. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the refuge.
For Aldrich, it’s a cause close to his heart.
“I’ve known about Wolfwood for quite a few years. I’ve visited there quite a few times and got to know Paula (Woerner). My work is all about animals, and so it was just the perfect fit from the get-go. They have beautiful, incredible animals, the wolves and wolf-dogs,” he said. “And, what a treat for me to go down there and be able to take pictures and do paintings from the pictures – they’re just so kind about everything; they make it so easy. They’re so wonderful and they love the animals so much, it was like, ‘Ah! I’ve got to do something for these people!’”
Tickets are $50 (available at the door), and with that comes the chance to win one of Aldrich’s paintings, “Ambassador,” which will be raffled off at the benefit.
The evening will also include wine, appetizers, a silent auction and music by JR Cook. The evening is also sponsored by Star Liquors, Manna, Liquor World and Wildcat Canyon Liquors.
Aldrich said the work done at Wolfwood cannot be understated.
“(It’s important) in so many different ways,” he said. “I think it’s important on the level of the particular animals, I mean these are animals that are either neglected or people will buy a wolf breed or somehow acquire a wolf and they don’t realize what they’re getting into because they’re wild animals. And so they just get rid of them. And there’s somebody who is willing to take in all these animals and care for them and give them good lives. I mean, right there it’s worth everything, and Paula’s doing just that.”
And while Aldrich has spent a lot of time studying the animals at the refuge, he said he doesn’t have a favorite.
“You go and see so many of them, they’ve each got their own personality – some are more wary and some are more aggressive and some are more playful,” he said. “You really get to see that these are such personal individuals rather than just some strange species. They’re just like people; it’s just wonderful to get to know them.”
katie@durangoherald.com
If you go
What:
Sorrel Sky Gallery and Wolfwood Refuge present “Wolves and Art Fundraiser,” featuring wildlife artist Edward Aldrich.
When:
5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11.
Where:
Sorrel Sky Gallery, 828 Main Ave.
Tickets:
$50. Proceeds benefit Wolfwood Refuge.
More information:
Call 946-9606 or visit
.
