Vincent Van Woah art sale raises support for local therapy group

Art lovers have a chance to purchase some very unique works now that the ‘Vincent Van Whoa? show is on the road.
The program features art painted by horses from O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles), a Clarkston-based organization.
The show kicked-off to a good start the evening of Nov. 17 at Frames ‘n? Art at 5889 Dixie Hwy. Fifteen pieces of watercolor art went up for sale, with five selling the first evening. In addition, Frames ‘n? Art donated $550 from the evening’s other sales to the organization. The money from the fund-raiser and future sales goes toward O.A.T.S. operations.
Nancy Heussner, executive director for O.A.T.S., said she was amazed by the finished art.
‘They really came out wonderful,? Heussner said. ‘You want some contemporary art, this is it.?
With some help from program volunteers, the horses use their muzzles and tails to paint.
‘I wasn’t totally unaware of animals painting, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the art,? said Gail Bacon, co-owner of Frames ‘n? Art.
Visitors to the opening sale were pleased with the works, and several bought them up right away.
Susan Madole purchased a piece entitled ‘Floral Bouquet,? painted by 30-year-old Brianna.
‘I came here wanting to support the O.A.T.S. program and the Clarkston chamber,? said Madole. She said she was Christmas shopping and thought the painting would be perfect for an out-of-state relative.
Future O.A.T.S. programs are expected to feature the artwork as well according to Heussner. The next planned event is an open house for O.A.T.S. on Dec. 3 from 11.a.m.-4 p.m. The event is a joint venture with Pine Tree Place Assissted Lving and will take place at O.AT.S. Therapeutic Riding Centre located at 3090 Weidemann Drive in Clarkston.
For more information on O.A.T.S. call 248-620-0505 or 248-620-1775 or visit www.oatshrh.org.
Frames ‘n? Art can be contacted at 248-623-1552.