PRESS RELEASE: AWLA Artist-in-Residence Has a Tail to Share
Media Contact: Regina Hardter
(703) 746-5662
communications@alexandriaanimals.org
Local Pup to Celebrate One-Year Shelter Anniversary by Discovering a New Talent and Partying with Friends
Newly Branded Ricasso Has Alexandria Art Community’s Tails Wagging!
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Sept.18, 2019) — The dog once known as Rico will be celebrating his one-year anniversary with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) this month, and he plans to celebrate in style. During his time with the AWLA, Rico quickly has become a staff and volunteer favorite, with his contagious grin, his goofy attitude and his enjoyment of every aspect of life, from his vigorous dunks in the AWLA kiddie pool to his dedication to his beloved bowling pin toy, nicknamed “Pinny.” But Rico strives to improve himself every day and has begun to pursue a hobby.
“Rico has the most fantastic tail, and it’s always wagging!” observes AWLA volunteer Joyce Smith. “One day, we thought maybe he might want to use his tail for something other than greeting his friends.”
And thus “Ricasso” was born. Always a sensitive dog, once he got his paws on some animal-safe washable paint, Ricasso seemed to know immediately what to do. With the help of his pals at the AWLA, he quickly wagged his way to his first mini-installation, honoring his muse Pinny.
“We could tell right away that Ricasso had talent,” says Volunteer Program Coordinator Brenda Maier. “His color choices were inspired, and his tail-based brush strokes showed an expertise you wouldn’t expect in a dog.” His first collection of three paintings drew the attention of visitors and volunteers, and many asked about purchasing a Ricasso original. “When you see such an obvious and distinctive talent, you know you want to follow his career from the ground up,” advises Director of Marketing & Communications Gina Hardter.
Through regular “art classes” with his AWLA friends, Ricasso has now amassed a collection of 20 paintings, ranging from bold black-and-white compositions to seasonally inspired color extravaganzas. You can see more of his masterpieces and learn a bit about his artistic process in this video from the team at the AWLA. “When you paint with Ricasso, you’d better be prepared to expand your horizons,” warns Director of Community Programs Joanna Fortin. “Ricasso doesn’t even limit himself to only the canvas. After one ‘art class’ last week, I was nearly as covered in ‘art’ as the paper…and I could not have been more honored.”
Ricasso is a shy dog who values his tight-knit community, and he will be marking his anniversary at the AWLA with a few of his closest friends, but he urges everyone to join in the festivities to give all his puppy pals at the AWLA a reason to celebrate. You can see Ricasso’s Celebration Wish List here, with items that will start AWLA’s adoptable dogs’ tails wagging.
As AWLA artist-in-residence, Ricasso’s latest installation currently holds a place of honor in the halls of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and is available for viewing at no cost during business hours. While he is not currently considering selling his masterpieces, he may eventually decide to privilege his community with an auction to benefit AWLA animals in need.
In the meantime, Ricasso is working on his next major life goal, which is finding a family to call his own. At six years old, he’s deemed himself a bit too mature to live with children, and he understands that other pets would have a hard time living in his artistic shadow; however, he knows that the right home is out there for him, and to help him find that home, his adoption fees have been pre-paid. He frequently enjoys stays with AWLA foster caregiver Dave Fawcett, who says, “Paintings to playtime and watercolors to walks, Ricasso knows how to have fun. And when it’s time to relax, he’ll be by your side for dinner, naps, movie nights and life. He is the perfect companion, and he doesn’t even snore too loud.”
For high-resolution versions of any photos, or if you are interested in learning more about or joining an artistic exploration with Ricasso, please contact Regina Hardter using the media contact information above.
Top of page: Ricasso enjoys his newfound fame as AWLA’s artist-in-residence (photo courtesy Dirty Paw Photography). From left to right (all courtesy of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria): Ricasso doesn’t let an audience disturb his artistic inspiration; Ricasso admires his latest masterpiece; Ricasso and his friends show off his most recent handiworks.