At almost 12 years of age, Netop the painting pooch is no newbie to the art scene. While Netop has painted at pet fairs and Wilmington Fur Balls in recent years past, it has been several since he has showcased his work in an exhibition. This month will herald the opening of Netop’s new art exhibition at WHQR’s M.C. Erny Gallery Friday, Oct. 24 through Jan. 9.
This will be Netop’s first collaborative show with his human mother, Jacqueline Karch, a local artist who started Netop’s artistic career from an early age.
“From day one when I adopted him we knew he was incredibly active and he was so bright,” Karch said. “I took him to all kinds of classes and schools … and at that time he learned how to pick something up and hold it and I knew I had to keep him busy. Once we figured out how to make a brush he could hold he picked it up immediately.”
Named after the Narragansett Indian word for friend, Netop has donated all of the proceeds from his shows to organizations helping animals. Netop’s first show in 2006 sold out in one hour and benefitted the New Hanover County and Pender County human societies. This show will benefit the local domestic violence shelter, which provides care and shelter to the pets caught in the middle of domestic violence situations.
While Netop has always donated his proceeds to organizations helping animals, Karch said his style of painting has changed throughout the years.
“His style has changed over the years,” she said. “I think he has become a little more aware of what he is doing but you never know what Netop is going to do. He has made a couple circles recently, which was new.”
During the opening night of the gallery, Netop will demonstrate his painting skills and, even at 12, Karch said he still loves to paint as much as possible.
“We have been at events painting for hours … and as soon as someone comes over he will be happy to do a painting,” she said. “If I am working in my studio I can work on the computer or something else but as soon as I pick up a brush he goes ballistic.”
Karch said there would be about 45 paintings by Netop and 45 by her on display at the show, named Through Our Eyes.
Karch said she was excited for her and Netop to finally be featured in a gallery together and said she could replace any of his paintings in the gallery if patrons want to purchase a piece for a holiday gift.
For more information, visit www.netopthedog.com
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