Public art adds enormous value to the vitality of a community. It serves as a “landmark,” (“I’ll meet you at the statue of the dog”), and humanizes the environments in which we live, work, and play. Paintings, prints, sculptures, and textile art can foster community pride, add to a community’s identity, and helps educate the public about a time, a place, a culture, an event, and yes, dog breeds.

On the second floor of the Hillsboro Brookwood Library in Hillsboro, Oregon is an acrylic painting depicting residents – and their canine companions –  attending the Farmer’s Market in their town. “Saturday Market 1”  was donated by the artist, Grace Henson, to the City’s Public Art collection, and you’ll note at least a couple of purebred dogs on the canvas.

Art is important, in part because it communicates things that words can’t always express as adequately. It’s one reason National Purebred Dog Dog and the Danburg Foundation sponsor an annual Fine Art/Poster competition. You can apply or see details for this year’s Call for Entry here.