Dogs in Transition: Pit Bulls and Mill Dogs
Cyrus Mejia's art exhibit opens in Syracuse, New York, on September 25, 2010
By
Best Friends Animal Society
In 'Dogs in Transition: Pit Bulls and Mill Dogs,' the work of contemporary artist Cyrus Mejia, features large-scale paintings and drawings of pit bull type terrier dogs, as well as paintings reflecting the cruelty of the puppy mill business. The exhibit will go on display September 25 at the Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Click here for directions.
(Please note the artist's reception is on opening day from noon until 2 pm; the exhibit will run until Dec 11, 2010)
Fact: Each year around 5 million homeless pets are put to death in U.S. shelters.
Fact: A large percentage of the dogs killed in shelters are identified as "pit bulls".
Fact: Each year about 5 million dogs are "factory farmed" in puppy mills for the market.
From the artist on this body of work: Our behavior is being driven by fear on the one hand and with greed and desire on the other, and these dogs are paying the price!
Pits and Perception and Mill Dogs Revenge are collections of paintings that call attention to the plight of pit bull type terrier dogs and puppy mill dogs. But I see these as more than paintings, they are a prayer and a call to compassionate action.
Many of the evils in our world can be traced back to the same sources: fear, greed and desire. But where do we start if we wish to make the world a better place? How do we keep from being overwhelmed with the problems and apathetically doing nothing? Margaret Mead once said "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has!" My hope is that these artworks can, in some small way, help to enlighten and empower people to make a difference. 
If we were to suddenly overcome our irrational fear of pit bulls, communities would stop passing breed discriminatory laws and shelters would stop the systematic killing of these dogs. If all our decisions about adding pets to our family were informed by compassion and awareness rather than the desire for instant gratification, i.e. - buying a dog from a pet store or online, the greedy puppy mill business would disappear and shelters would have more resources to do better work for the animals and the community.
Yes, there"s a very long way to go. But with one thought, one decision, one life at a time we can make a difference. Kindness to animals can build a better world for us all. So you see, pit bulls and mill dogs really are dogs in transition!
Come on out and see the show - this is an exhibit any animal lover would not want to miss!