APP Press Release:
American Pet Professionals brings dreams to life!
Hosting the first ever ‘Art for Paws’ featuring pet artists from across the region!
American Pet Professionals and the Islip Arts Council are joining together to host the first-ever ‘Art for Paws’ exhibit this May 7 – 30, 2024. Showcasing the incredibly talented pet artist members of both organizations featuring the artwork of our beloved four-legged family members. The exhibit will feature artists from around Long Island, in various formats of art.
“This has been a dream of mine for 20+ years,” said, President and founder of American Pet Professionals. “Many years ago, when researching the pet industry, I remember seeing an event that featured pet art, pet artists that was held somewhere across the country that was outside, and more of a pet expo. And I always wished that I was able to attend. Over the years of running American Pet Professionals – we have had many incredible pet artists as part of our organization, and always thought this would be a fantastic event to host and feature their talent. But where to host it?” Hassel went on, “After taking a watercolor class at Islip Art Council in the fall, and loving it, I thought this is the perfect venue to host this. I inquired with the Islip Arts Council Board President Waldo Cabrera and then met with the Executive Director Lynda Moran.”
The opening reception is being held on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 6 pm – 8 pm at Islip Art Council, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, NY 11706, (in the South Shore Mall, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods). The reception will celebrate adopted pets and shine a light on pets in our local animal shelters that are in need of homes.
“Anyone who knows me, knows that my dogs have always been my family. Never without a dog in the house, sometimes with three, I am thrilled that we are final having a Pet ‘family’ exhibit at the Gallery,” stated Lynda Moran, Executive Director of Islip Arts Council.
“Everyone at the Islip Art Council are pet lovers and pet parents and they jumped on board with the idea,” said Hassel. “I am so pleased to be working with them for this event!”
The exhibition will feature pet artists from both organizations, in many formats or art. This is the perfect opportunity to come and see the incredible talent and learn more about the Islip Art Council and American Pet Professionals.
The exhibit will run from May 7 – 30, 2024, and the open call for pet art is until April 26, 2024. If you are a pet artist and want to exhibit your work during this event, go to
https://isliparts.org/index.php/gallery/open-calls for all the details on how to submit your work for consideration.
For more information or Press Inquiries about American Pet Professionals, go to www.AmericanPetProfessionals.com, email info@Americanpetprofessionals.com.
For more information about Islip Art Council or this exhibit, go to: https://isliparts.org/
or call (631) 888-3525.
** Sponsorship Opportunities are available for this event. **
About American Pet Professionals:
American Pet Professionals, (APP), is a multiple award-winning National Business Networking, Educational and Multimedia Organization for the Pet Industry. Educating, Uniting, Referring, Connecting, and Helping all Pet Professionals since 2009! The organization offers in-person networking events nationwide with expert speakers offering their expertise on many different topics to help individuals and businesses grow, work together and unite the pet industry. Hosting over 150 in-person networking and educational events for pet professionals since its inception. In addition to in-person networking events, American Pet Professionals also hosts online monthly networking, webinars, and Mastermind events for its members, and features members on their Live Video Show and Podcast, Digging Into the Pet Industry™. APP sends out a weekly Pet Events Newsletter to 20,000+ pet lovers that cover industry and pet parent events, trending information, articles, videos, and features pets for adoption with animal rescue organizations. Founder and President of American Pet Professionals, Nancy E. Hassel, was named 2018 Women of Influence in the Pet Industry, referred to as an ‘industry visionary,’ she also travels across the country attending and speaking at pet business conferences and works with many of the organizers of such conferences to bring more expertise, knowledge, ideas and inspiration to APP’s members. The membership-based organization started in February 2009, for more information go to www.AmericanPetProfessionals.com.
Featured regularly in Pet Age Magazine, Pet Product News International Magazine, Pet Business Magazine, Pets+ Magazine, Dogster Magazine, Modern Dog Magazine and numerous other magazines, newspapers, blogs and TV stations throughout the country and around the world.
About Islip Art Council:
The Islip Arts Council is dedicated to leadership, advocacy, and excellence in the arts. We present, produce, and promote culturally responsive, high quality programs in varied artistic disciplines for our diverse population. Our goal is to facilitate these programs in response to the needs of the Long Island community.
The Islip Arts Council was created in 1974. Two years later, Lillian Barbash was named chairperson, and the Islip Arts Council was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. Mrs. Barbash also brought the NY Philharmonic to Heckscher State Park more than forty years ago.