What: Art For Animals fundraiser

When: 7-9 p.m., April 9

Where: Gum Tree Museum of Art

Cost: $25, tickets available at the animal shelter or at the door – or be a sponsor for $100 to $750

Benefits: The Tupelo-Lee Humane Society

For more information: (662) 690-8176 or (662) 840-5042

TUPELO - Lovers of art and animals will mingle for a good cause next month when the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society hosts its third annual Art For Animals fundraiser.

The two-hour event will feature animal-themed paintings, photographs and sculptures by Northeast Mississippi artists. Participants can bid on any of the more than 30 pieces during the silent auction.

Other items - like pottery and gift certificates - also will be auctioned.

The April 9 fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. at the Gum Tree Museum of Art. Tickets cost $25 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres and an assortment of wine and beer. Sponsorships for the event also are available.

"Art for Animals is such a special way to use art and creativity to help save the lives of homeless animals," said Jan Willis, a humane society board member. "It combines the creativity of the artists along with the support of the community to raise additional funds. It's a big event, and everybody always enjoys themselves."

Last year, the humane society raised $25,000 at the event. The money went toward the group's capital fund to build a new shelter. The current shelter at 2400 South Gloster Street is cramped and outdated.

The humane society took in nearly 8,500 cats and dogs last year but can hold only about 150 at a time. Officials say they desperately need a larger, more modern facility to care for all the unwanted pets.

It's a plight that touched Robbie Patterson Boyd. The Pontotoc County artist and her husband, Bob, who also paints, each donated an oil canvas to the fundraiser.

"Perhaps through our art and the Art for Animals project," Boyd said, "we can help raise money for a new shelter and maybe even cause some of the these animals to be loved again and adopted into a home where they will be cared for."

The shelter needs to raise $500,000 to reach its goal, said board member Nicole McLaughlin.