Poetry Slam held under the big top

ENCINITAS — Encinitas has multiple off-leash parks, the Dog Days of Summer canine festival, and coming this summer, a juried art exhibition of pet portraits at the Encinitas Library.
“My Best Friend: Pet Portraits” was the idea of the Visual Art Selection Committee, which juries artist applications and selects the 32 art exhibits that are mounted each year at the Encinitas Library and Civic Center Gallery at Encinitas City Hall.
“We would like submissions of paintings, oil or acrylic, mixed media constructions, or most any media you can hang on a wall,” said Jim Hornung, curator of the exhibit. “We are looking for interpretive creations of your puppy, kitty, goldfish or pet anaconda.”
Artists are encouraged to submit an entry. The Call for Entries is on the city of Encinitas website homepage under City News and Events. Printed copies are available at Encinitas City Hall and the Encinitas Library.
July 1 is the deadline for artists and individuals to submit a jpg image of their pet portrait for consideration. Submittals must also include the following: artist name, e-mail address, phone number, title of artwork, media, year, price or NFS (not for sale), dimensions, and a brief statement about the artwork. Send submissions to Jim Hornung at [email protected], or call (760) 753-5458.
Straight photographs will not be accepted, but photos that have been digitally reimagined, stretched, recolored, or Photoshopped will be accepted. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work will be accepted.
The pet portrait exhibit, from July 18 through Aug. 29, will be presented by the city of Encinitas in partnership with Rancho Coastal Humane Society and Cardiff Dog Days of Summer. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. July 23. The event will include live entertainment, refreshments, pet adoptions and fun activities featuring pets of all kinds.