NYC's First Art Show For Dogs Opens In FiDi

LOWER MANHATTAN, NY — An art show catered toward canine critics will open this summer in lower Manhattan, finally allowing your pup to stroll through a gallery unimpeded by "no animal" rules.

Dogumenta, which is billing itself as the country's first art show specifically for dogs, opens on Friday in lower Manhattan. Humans will also be allowed in the exhibit, which will run from Friday through Sunday at the Brookfield Place mall in Manhattan. The exhibit will be held outside at the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza The art show will not feature dogs or be created by canine artists, but truly be for dogs, and their human companions, to enjoy, according to the art show's website. Artwork will be placed low to the ground, so that dogs can see it clearly. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The NYC-based art critic Jessica Dawson told W Magazine that she came up with the idea while visiting dozens of Chelsea art galleries with her Morkie, Rocky. After adopting Rocky from a SoHo shelter, Dawson said he would frequently accompany her to galleries and fairs, and that her dog gave her a renewed appreciation in viewing art.

"Rocky had something to teach me, to teach all of us, about how to find joy again in looking at art," she said in a video on Dogumenta's website.

The curators for the show are Dawson, consultant Mica Scalin, and, of course, Rocky. The pup has personally approved all 10 pieces that will be included in the show.

Dogumenta gets its name from Documenta, the famous art show hosted every five years in Germany.

If you don't have a canine companion to accompany you through the show, dogs from the Bideawee shelter will be at the exhibit on Saturday and will be up for adoption. The exhibit will be open Friday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can reserve your spot online here or just walk-up to the exhibit.

Lead image courtesy of Jason Falchook/Dogumenta.