6/06/04  Artists for Animals? Scheduled at Acclaimed Iris? Restaurant

Unique event to fund free spay/neuter program to help stop pet overpopulation

Dallas, TX ? Artists and art-lovers will gather June 6 at Iris to show their support for animals ? and to enjoy some great wine and food at the same time.

The reception will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday evening, June 6, and will feature works for sale by three celebrated local artists, as well as a silent auction.  

Admission is $30 per person, and proceeds benefit the Patt Davis Memorial Spay/Neuter Program of the Metroplex Animal Coalition (MAC).  This program enables low-income pet owners to have their cats and dogs spayed or neutered for free, thereby helping to end the tragedy of pet overpopulation.

Wine and hors d?oeuvres will be furnished by Iris, the latest venture of Susie Priore and chef Russell Hodges. Iris opened in 2003 to rave reviews, and has become a neighborhood favorite while attracting stellar guests such as Laura Bush. The New American cuisine continues to draw crowds, and the beautiful interior earned the Best Ambience nod from D Magazine in January
2004.

An animal lover herself, Ms. Priore named her new restaurant Iris in memory of her beloved Basenji.  A painting of Iris by renowned artist Marty Walker hangs in the restaurant along with 13 other works by local artists.  Ms. Walker is one of the artists whose work will be featured at Artists for Animals; Dallas fans may remember her two-person show, The Dog Show, featured last year at Conduit Gallery.

Another featured artist will be Dallas-based illustrator Chet Phillips, whose work has graced the pages of The Dallas Morning News for more than 20 years. Mr. Phillips also has created artwork for The New York Times, American Airlines, the ASPCA and Half Price Books, to name a few. He
recently worked extensively with Warner Brothers in conjunction with Harry Potter film merchandising.

Cat-lovers have long delighted in the whimsical watercolors of Martha Wahlert, a third artist who will be showcased.

Iris is located in Inwood Village at 5405 W. Lovers Lane in Dallas.

Space for Artists for Animals is limited; reserve now by calling 972.669.5000, or log on to metroplexanimalcoalition.com and use PAYPAL.

We will accept checks, cash or Mastecard at the door.