Poodle Breeder Karne LaFrak's New Children's Book “Best in Show” Book Signing
In celebration of dogs in art, the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Bonhams Auction House are hosting their annual charity brunch, Barkfest at Bonhams, on Sunday, February 13, 2011 from 10 a.m. to noon, benefiting the AKC Humane Fund. Dog lovers, art aficionados and their canine companions are invited to attend this exclusive preview of highly prized dog art and collectibles at Bonhams (580 Madison Avenue, between East 56th and 57th Streets). All items on display will be part of the Bonhams Dogs in Show & Field: The Fine Art Sale on Wednesday, February 16th at 10:00 a.m.
Bonham’s 29th annual sale will once again contain jewelry, dog collars, paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and other dog-related objects. This year there is a particular emphasis on the representation of dogs in the field with spectacular examples of works by the American artists Alexander Pope, Percival Rosseau and Edmund Osthaus as well as the British painters John Emms and Maud Earl.
Special guest Karen LeFrak will also sign copies of her new children’s book Best in Show during the Barkfest. Best in Show follows Abby, a young girl, as she learns how to train Gem, her Standard Poodle puppy, for dog show competition. Karen, the writer of other popular children’s books such as Jake the Philharmonic Dog and Jake the Ballet Dog, breeds and shows champion poodles. Her proceeds from the sales of Best in Show will be donated to the AKC Canine Health Foundation and Take the Lead.
Two of Karen’s top-winning Poodles will be “assisting” at the signing – “Gem,” Best in Show winner and the star of the book Best in Show and “Mikimoto,” the winner of 88 Best in Show Awards, two Westminster Kennel Club Non-Sporting Group Ones and the top Standard Poodle ranking in America for three consecutive years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen LeFrak to this year’s Barkfest, a unique event supporting the AKC Humane Fund,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. “In addition to her book signing benefitting two important causes, the Barkfest itself supports the AKC Humane Fund, which gives back to the dogs that hold a special place in our hearts through education, outreach and grant-making to deserving parent clubs and organizations.”
“We are pleased to again offer a selection of some of the finest dog art in the world,” said Alan Fausel, Director of Fine Art for Bonhams New York. “The Barkfest is the only time visitors are allowed to enjoy the art with their canine companions nearby, so we encourage everyone to attend the event, enjoy the wonderful work and support a great cause like the AKC Humane Fund.”
All proceeds from Barkfest at Bonhams benefit The American Kennel Club Humane Fund Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity which promotes the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant making.
Admission is a $50 donation to The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. with reservation by phone or $60 at the door. To reserve a spot on our RSVP list, please call AKC at 212-696-8225.
For more information on the preview Brunch on Sunday, February 13 and the Dog Art Sale on Wednesday, February 16, visit www.bonhams.com/dogs or www.akc.org.