NYC's First Art Show For Dogs Will Open This Summer

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, will open in August in lower Manhattan, W Magazine reported. Humans will also be allowed in the exhibit, which will run Aug. 11-13 at the Brookfield Place mall in Manhattan. 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 hung low on the walls, so that dogs can see it clearly.

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, according to W Magazine.

Dogumenta gets its name from Documenta, the famous art show hosted every five years in Germany. (For more news from lower Manhattan, subscribe to Patch news alerts here.)

Lead image courtesy of Jason Falchook/Dogumenta.