Terriers Around Town to unveil first 'naked' puppy

Date: 3/4/2010

March 3, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Terriers will soon be seen across town in a communal effort to supplement arts education throughout West Springfield Public Schools.

Terriers Around Town has embarked on a yearlong fundraising effort in the form of 40 fiberglass terriers 40 inches tall, sponsored by local businesses and decorated by artists to be displayed throughout the community for auction. The first "naked" (undecorated) terrier, the community's mascot, will be on display at the Naked Puppy Party on March 5.

Chris Costanzi, project manager for Terriers Around Town, explained the community has been very receptive in helping the organization to reach its fundraising goal of $70,000.

"It's a public art auction that collaborates local artists, businesses, the community as a whole and brings them together for a yearlong project for everyone to enjoy and at the end we'll have this nice fund to use to enrich the arts for the students of West Springfield," she added.

Costanzi said artists' proposals are still "trickling in" with 34 of the 40 dogs assigned to artists. She added the project could exceed the 40-terrier goal.

"We expected it to go this well," Jane Barrientos, Terriers Around Town Steering Committee member, said. "I think we [were] surprised by the town and how much support there would be for it.

"By pairing the arts and businesses and tourism and culture, the community as a whole will do better financially," she continued.

Barrientos said she's hoping that once displayed, the terriers will bring tourists and school groups to town to enjoy their work.

Costanzi explained the funds raised through Terriers Around Town will be used to hire an artist in residence for the schools, start an after-school art program at the teen center and provide other education programs encompassing all artistic mediums.

The Naked Puppy Party will take place on March 5 at Walt Steinmetz Photography Studio, 235 Western Ave. Tickets are $20 per person and must be obtained in advance.

For more information, e-mail terriersaroundtown@yahoo.com or visit www.terriersaroundtown.com.