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 us, Service Dogs of Virginia.
20 -painted fiberglass Labradors will be displayed in different venues in Charlottesville and surrounding areas of Virginia from July to October 2026. They will then be sold at auction to benefit a new training center for Service Dogs of Virginia. 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 benefits to artists are outlined below.
why work with us?
publicity and name recogniztion 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 $700 plus 5% of the auction price for your piece. The starting bid for statues will be [$1500].
join the auction
Each artist will receive 1 free ticket to the auction plus name recognition in the commemorative book, Art Unleashed 2026.
Be part of an amazing cause
All profits from the auction go towards helping Service Dogs of Virginia create a new space. 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 serviced dogs we can provide to people in need. Ready to get stated?
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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 FAQ’s or send us a message. We look forward to working with you.
DOWNLOAD THE PERSPECTUS
Download and carefully review the full artist prospectus which contains additional information about the statues, materials, guidelines, copyright information, timelines, and more.
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SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Submit your completed application along with up to two design mockups to our selection committee for review.
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RECIEVE FEEDBACK
Your application will be carefully reviewed by our selection committee who will select the 20 artists. All application feedback will be sent out no later than [insert date].
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RECEIVE SPONSORSHIP
If you are selected as an artist, we will then work to match you with a sponsor for your work. If you are successfully matched with a sponsor we will arrange to have your statue delivered to you.
service dogs of virginia
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 408
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Physical Address: 673 Berkmar Court
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 295-9503
info@servicedogsva.org