Call for Artists: Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Art Show Benefits Homeless Animals at Frame Gallery on August 16
Sewanee, Tenn. (July 16, 2025) – Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to contribute one cat- and dog-themed piece of art to support the "Hot Dogs and Cool Cats" art show, benefiting Marion Animal Resource Connection (MARC), on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Frame Gallery Gifts & Art in downtown Sewanee.
Artists should submit a digital photograph of their selected art in any medium on Frame Gallery’s website by August 9 to participate in the art exhibit, which opens on August 16 and continues through September 6. In lieu of a commission fee, artists may choose a percentage of the sales proceeds they wish to donate to MARC.
On August 16 at Frame Gallery, visitors can enjoy the “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” art show inspired by our beloved four-legged friends, and participate in family-friendly, hands-on art projects, lighthearted games, and other surprises in celebration of pets, creativity, and community.
Frame Gallery is also collecting in-kind donations during the event to support the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of animals and people in Marion County, Tennessee. The suggested list of donations includes:
Purina puppy and kitten chow
Soft kitten food
Cat and dog toys
Paper towels
Large black trash bags
Lemon cleaner
Bleach
Bath or beach towels
Martingale dog collars, all sizes (see example on Amazon here)
Slip leads (see example on Amazon here)
MARC requests that donations do not include retractable leashes.
“Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” is Frame Gallery’s second fundraiser for MARC. The first fundraiser, Pictures with Santa Paws, on December 21, 2024, raised $750 and collected in-kind donations to support the animals of MARC in time for the winter holidays.
Owner, Harriet Runkle, hopes to double the amount of cash donations from the proceeds of dog- and cat-themed art and increase the number of in-kind contributions with Hot Dogs and Cool Cats this year.
Runkle says, “‘Hot Dogs and Cool Cats’ is all about having fun for a good cause, and inviting artists to use their creativity in a meaningful way makes it even better! I am excited to see how the art show comes together on August 16! It’s a chance to show some love for the homeless cats and dogs in our South Cumberland Plateau community.”
###
About Frame Gallery Gifts & Art
Founded in 2018 by Harriet Runkle, Frame Gallery is a full-service custom frame shop and art gallery that showcases work by local and regional artists and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world. In December 2023, Frame Gallery tripled its footprint to offer art instruction and workshops for adults and children. Additional services include art consultation, exhibit design, art restoration, frame repair, and advanced matting techniques.
About Marion Animal Resource Connection (MARC)
MARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of animals and people in Marion County, Tennessee. Its mission is to:
Educate individuals about humane animal care
Reduce the pet overpopulation through affordable, accessible spay/neuter service
Rescue, provide shelter, and rehome animals in need, and
Collaborate with local governments and organizations to create a stronger, more compassionate community.
