Artists
you put the “art” in art unleashed
Welcome to the first of what we hope are many years of Art Unleashed. This project is a collaboration between area artists, local businesses and Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV).
Twenty painted fiberglass Labradors will be displayed in different venues in Charlottesville and surrounding areas of Virginia from July 2026 to October 2026. They will then be sold at auction to benefit a new facility for SDV. We are grateful for your interest in designing and painting a life-sized (28.5"H x 36"L x 9”D) Labrador statue. Your participation is critical to our success and we look forward to this collaboration with you. The benefits to artists are outlined below.
publicity and name recognition for you
Your image, brief bio, and a link to your website will be featured on our website. Each Labrador statue will have a plaque attached at the base with the name of the artist in addition to a QR code that will direct the user to your bio on our website. In addition, you will receive:
Name recognition on a map showing the location of all statues
Name and a brief bio in the auction brochure with a photo of the finished piece
Recognition in various print advertisements and social media
commission
Each artist will receive $300 plus 10% of the auction price of their piece.
join the auction
Each artist will receive one free ticket to the auction plus one free drink voucher.
Be part of an amazing cause
All profits from the auction go toward helping SDV create a new facility. By lending your creativity and talents to the auction, you will be helping us to succeed in our mission to significantly increase the number of service dogs we can provide to people in need. Ready to get started?
why work with us?
Join the Pack!
We are grateful for your interest in designing and painting a life-sized Labrador retriever statue. Your participation is critical to our success, and we look forward to this collaboration with you. The application process is simple, just follow the steps below. Still have questions? Check out our FAQs or send us a message. We look forward to working with you.
1
DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS
Download and carefully review the full artist prospectus which contains additional information about the statues, materials, guidelines, copyright information, timelines, and more.
2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Submit your completed application along with up to two design mockups to our selection committee for review. Applications much be received no later than November 1, 2025.
3
RECEIVE FEEDBACK
Your application will be carefully reviewed by our selection committee who will select the 20 artists to participate in this year’s event. You will notified of our decision no later than November 15, 2025.
4
RECEIVE SPONSORSHIP
If you are selected as an artist, we will then work to match you with a sponsor for your work. Once you are successfully matched with a sponsor, we will arrange to have your statue delivered to you. All statues must be completed by March 20, 20026.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 408
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Physical Address: 673 Berkmar Ct.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 295-9503
info@servicedogsva.org