Under warm sun, people and their dogs PAWS for Art at Wheaton Arts

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Human visitors and their canine friends streamed onto the outdoor grounds of the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center on Sunday for the center’s annual PAWS for Art event.

Pet owners, their families and dogs took advantage of the nice weather to come out to the center’s second spring event, which was designed to bring together community members, business owners and organizations affiliated with canine protection and care.

“People really like having pets with them, and when we first started doing this, people really appreciated combining two passions: art and having their four-legged friends with them,” Angela Speakman, center development coordinator, said.

As Wheaton Arts in Millville gets ready for the busy summer season, it has planned a handful of different themed events in the spring to draw in the crowds before the hotter months. And while visitorship might be lower than in the summer, Speakman said the spring events get people thinking about what’s to come in the near future.

“Since part of (the center) is indoor and outdoor, being outside and enjoying the weather helps folks become summer ready, especially younger children who can see summer on the horizon,” Speakman said. “In summertime, we see more families coming, visiting families and local families, looking for a fun vacation day.”

The fourth annual PAWS event kicked off in the morning in collaboration with the Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal. Last year, Speakman said there was close to 2,000 people and 700 dogs on the grounds and she expected similar numbers this year.

Danielle Ford, owner of Pampered Pup Luxury Pet Resort in Millville, said it was her second year returning to the PAWS event as a vendor. Her table handed out free treats and held a raffle for free boarding and grooming services.

“It’s a great way to get involved in the community and get to know the clients as well as meet some new clients,” Ford said. The recent transplant from Pennsylvania said she’s looking to get involve and attend future events at Wheaton Arts.

In addition to PAWS, the arts and cultural center will hold the Eco Fair on May 2, which showcases home grown plants, herbs, berries, handmade products from local vendors and artists as well as crafts and activities for adults and children.

The Fantasy Faire on June 27 and 28 will cater to people interested in folklore, fairy tales and fantasy with historical and mythical costumed characters roaming around. The event is produced in partnership with Mystic Realms, a theatric arts organization.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that when you visit Wheaton, there’s a true sense of place, a true nature experience that encompasses creative arts,” Speakman said. “People can check out the museum and glass studios and see the ducks by the tributary while they’re here. They are putting winter behind them.”

Jennifer McQuade, of Millville, grew up coming to events at Wheaton Arts. She said she has been to the PAWS event almost every year the center has had it since her sister, who once volunteered with the county SPCA, told her about it.

“Every year we come here,” McQuade said after grabbing pamphlets detailing the center’s spring events and classes. “I’m looking at the art events, because I want to do a face pottery class they had before. We love coming to everything here.”

Speakman said the center has many partners in the community involved with its events because, “there is such an appeal for a variety of audiences.” She expects the Eco Fair in May will see between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees as well as a number of local participants.

“We help nourish the community, so we’re all happy to come to work every day.”