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About Us

Art for Animals' Sake (AFAS) is unique in our approach to animal advocacy through developing art education programs that instill empathy for all living things through creative artistic expression.

Our approach is to build upon the natural empathy children and young adults have for animals while engaging them through art.


Principals

David Walega
David Walega, Founder

David is a fine art painter, photographer and ardent supporter of animal rights, a combination of interests which lead to the creation of<br> Art for Animals’ Sake. As the proud dad of three adopted dogs, he is dedicated to animal rights education. David has worked as a scenic painter, web designer, and photojournalist. He has also been involved with social justice and animal rescue organizations.
Email: david@artforanimalssake.com

Melanie Sears

Melanie Sears, Associate

Melanie has been active in non-profit and animal advocacy organizations. Most recently she has earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Nonprofit from the Eastern Michigan University. She is a certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. With over two years experience of animal care taking, she has extensive knowledge of animal rehabilitation and care.

Melanie Sears
Jessica 'Ish' Ishmeal, Teaching Artist

Ish is an accomplished photographer and experienced instructor. She has taught at The Photographic Center NW, The Northwest School and with Art for Animals' Sake. Collaborating with other organizations and istructors, Ish is an enthusiastic instructor pushing students to go beyond the basics of photography to explore the world and build stronger communities through visual storytelling.


Education Mission

The goal of our program is to prevent the neglect and abuse of animals and reduce the relinquishment of companion animals into the shelter system.

Through our partnerships with the artistic, educational and animal advocacy communities, we work toward creating a more compassionate world for animals.

Art for Animals’ Sake works in conjunction with programs that support underserved youth, working to prevent animal abuse by teaching respect for all living creatures through creative artistic expression.

Addressing the Cause

While many organizations fill the critical need of rescuing and rehoming animals after abuse and neglect have occurred, Art for Animals’ Sake’s focus is on preventing animal cruelty through education.

Most organizations deal with the results of abuse, we address the cause. Working with young people’s natural affinity for animals, AFAS will nurture this bond to impart respect for all living things.

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Success Stories

'A Day in the Life' Project 2012

Photography exhibits focus on the relationship homeless have with their animals. With a disposable camera and some guidance from mentors and professional photographers, the participants created photographs during an extended workshop conducted by Art for Animals’ Sake (AFAS). These images reveal the relationships, environments and the greater community the homeless and their allies share with animals.
See a portfolio of images here...


Education Program with Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets, 1.2012

Our monthly workshops with Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets have been a great success. Participants have been returning each month to work in a new artistic medium while gaining valuable information which will keep their pets safe and well cared for.

The inaugural workshop in January focused on painted pet portraits. Participants had the space and guidance to explore their relationship with their animal companion while gaining confidence in self-expression. Each participant completed a portrait that was later sold at silent auction to raise money for their organization.
Read the feature story here...


Art Exhibition and Silent Auction Benefit for NOAH, 8.14.09

At the AFAS inaugural silent auction and exhibition in August 2009, we raised nearly $7,000 in donations for the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (N.O.A.H.), a leading animal welfare organization.

Since the silent auction, N.O.A.H. reached several significant benchmarks.

  • Over 7,000 adoptions
  • The medical clinic has completed over 25,000 spay and neuter surgeries.