Terriers Around Town

Driving around West Springfield lately one might logically ask, "What's with all those fancy dogs?" The "dogs" are part of a yearlong fundraiser called "Terriers Around Town" to benefit Arts programs for school-aged children in West Springfield. 40+ fiberglass terriers (the town mascot) were created for the fundraiser. Artists sponsored by local businesses were each presented with a "naked puppy" as a canvas for their creativity and have clearly done some amazing things.

As an "Alpha Dog" sponsor, Balise has backed 4 artists and taken in a litter of 4 terriers which we are proudly displaying at our stores along Riverdale Street: Balise Toyota, Balise Honda, Balise Mazda and Balise Collision Repair (details below), including one created by Balise's own Crystal Childs. Balise Collision Repair even volunteered to give all 40+ terriers a 2-part urethane clearcoat to help them stand up a little better to the elements. Fantastic job, everyone!

All of the terriers will be on display at least through mid-August and will take part in West Springfield Day festivities during the Big E on September 20th. Any terriers that haven't been purchased by their sponsors will be auctioned off to the highest bidders at an event at Balise Honda on October 15th. All proceeds from the auction will go to Arts programs for school-aged children in West Springfield.

Pictures just don't do them justice, so we hope you'll come down sometime this Summer and visit our terriers in person. Meanwhile, visit the Terriers Around Town Facebook page and learn more about the fundraiser, participating artists and upcoming events, or click here to download a map to help you plan your trip around town to visit all of the terriers.		      


"Come Together Right Now, Over Me"
Artist: Jennifer Dorgan
Location: Balise Collision Repair (street-side), 1800 Riverdale Street

Jennifer admits there was no plan for her terrier - it just "came together" as she was designing it, and hence, the name as well. She just kept in my mind while creating the design, what the purpose was - to raise money for schools. That was her inspiration. She hopes the prettiness and uniqueness of "Come Together" will attract bidders and raise a nice amount for West Springfield youth art programs. We have little doubt that "Come Together" will be a hot item come auction time!

Jennifer says as an artist she'll paint anything you put in front of her. She also participated in the popular Easthampton Bear Fest in 2009.		     

"Copper"
Artist: Crystal Childs
Location: Balise Honda (inside), 400 Riverdale Street

Crystal's inspiration for her terrier "Copper", who stands guard right here in the Balise Honda showroom, is her police officer boyfriend. Copper is actually sporting a real police uniform. Crystal admits her original idea was a firefighting terrier named "Hot Dog". Clever? Absolutely! However, Crystal didn't think her boyfriend would like that idea so "Copper" came to be.

As much as we love Copper, we can't help but wonder how he would look if Crystal had gone with her original idea!
 


"Poppy Love"
Artist: Jane Barrientos
Location: Balise Mazda (street-side), 635 Riverdale Street

Jane says her inspiration for her terrier was her love of (what else) poppies! However, it wasn't until she was halfway through with her creation that she came up with the name. Jane happened to say to someone "I love poppies", but they thought she said "I love puppies". Jane says "lightbulbs went off" and "Poppy Love" was born!

Poppy is done with oils and Jane created him in a storefront on Elm Street.		  

"Flower Power"
Artist: Madelyn Miller
Location: Balise Toyota (street-side), 1399 Riverdale Street

Madelyn says she was inspired by her love of flowers, which can be found both in her yard and in many of her watercolor paintings. Flower Power's blue and white represent the colors of the high school, and we must say, he looks right at home in front of our dealership!

This is the 2nd straight year Madelyn has participated in a project to benefit the Arts in West Springfield. Last year she designed and decorated a bluebird house in acrylics that was sold at silent auction. Flower Power is also done in acrylics. Madelyn categorizes herself as a realistic painter, but decided to do something "whimsical" for Terriers Around Town.