Animal rights group draws support from artists

Jeff Thomson's corrugated iron Chook is expected to fetch up to $2000

Artists and actors are joining forces to raise funds for Raglan-based animal sanctuary Paws Awhile.

Around 30 established and emerging artists including Flox, Paul Walsh, Jeff Thomson, Greta Anderson, Erin Simpson, Bronwynne Cornish and Mary McIntyre have donated work to be auctioned.

Paul Walsh's Coconut Octupus with Eggs will be auctioned along with a piece he'll create on the night.

Artist and illustrator Paul Walsh, whose most recent project was painting Chorus DSL Cabinets across Auckland, will also create a piece during the auction and, when it's finished, it will also be sold.

Well-known kiwi actress Sara Wiseman, who starts filming series 5 of the Australian drama A Place to Call Home early next year, is MC.

Peter Miller's Bird in the Hand.

The auction has been organised by Direct Animal Action, an Auckland-based group who want legislative bans on factory farming and rodeo in New Zealand. Spokesperson Romina Marinkovich says the group works toward better laws for animals but wanted to do something "more tangible" to help.

"So we decided to organise an art exhibition and live auction celebrating the sentience of animals and raising much needed funds for Paws Awhile animal sanctuary."

Painter, photographer and sculptor Paul Hartigan is best known for his large-scale public neon installations in Auckland but has produced Holy Cow for the Animals - Seeing the Sentient Being auct

Paws Awhile set up in 2014, providing safe haven to animals rescued from abuse and neglect. Owner Anna Dahlberg self-funds the sanctuary where permanent and foster residents including dogs, cats, donkeys, miniature ponies, highland cattle, kunekune pigs and chickens.

The lowdown:
What: Animals - Seeing the Sentient Being fundraising art exhibition and auction for Raglan-based animal sanctuary Paws Awhile.

When: exhibition now on 9am - 3pm at Allpress Studio, Browns Mill Building, 8 Drake Street, Freemans Bay; online bidding open with silent auction today and live auction tomorrow from 5.30 - 8pm.

www.seeingthesentientbeing.com