What:

"Dog-a-Porter" is an exhibit created by the international dog/animal portrait painter

Rachelle Oatman. "Dog-a-Porter" consists of approximately 30-35 oil paintings of various size depicting different breeds of dogs dressed in contemporary fashion such as; PRADA, FENDI, GUCCI, VALENTINO, etc. "Dog-a-Porter" is an extremely popular public exhibition available for exhibit by an appropriate host.
Who: Rachelle Oatman, lives between New York City, Aspen, Colorado, and Milan, Italy. She primarily paints commissioned portraits of animals, however, due to the enormous popularity of her work she created "Dog-a-Porter" to reach a wider audience. Some of her past clients have included; JP Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Claude Tattinger (French champagne),Valentino, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Massimo Listri (photographer for AD), Phillipo Giardello (pres. of Sector watches). n addition to exhibiting "Dog-a-Porter" Rachelle is interested in creating projects which involve the public such as; competitions for dog costumes, dog fashion shows, fundraising events, gallery visits by school groups, historic lectures about domestic animals or dog portraiture, and even possible art workshops for children. The possibility of corporate sponsorship is great due to the popularity of the subject, proven media coverage from previous exhibits, and enormous public interest.
Where:

"Dog-a-Porter" has shown in both art galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces such as:

1. Parisian fashion boutique"L'Eclaireur" in the fashionable Marais district, owned by Armin Hadida. Historically he helped launch many designers such as, Issey Myake, Anne Demulemeister, Martin Margela, Vivenne Westwood, D&G, Chrome Hearts, etc. "L'Eclaireur" was one of the first boutiques to host art and design exhibits displayed eclectically among the clothing. Arman had never shown paintings before, but after seeing some of Rachelle's work in Milan he brought the show to Paris. About 500 people attended the opening, which was widely covered by the French television, newspapers, and fashion magazines. "Dog-a-Porter" was "the" fashion event in Paris during the month of November 1996, and was extended another month through Christmas.

2. "Spazio Sbaiz", another innovative fashion boutique located in the yatching resort of Lignano Sabbiodoro north of Venice, Italy. "Spazio Sbaiz" hosts exhibits related to fashion and design in their mezzanine gallery. Their exhibits are local summer cultural events and "Spazio Sbaiz" is widely considered one of the best fashion boutiques in Italy. "Dog-a-Porter" was shown there during the summer of 1995 with great success. Two thirds of the paintings were sold.

3. "Teatre Miele" located in Trieste, Italy is a public nonprofit theater where film, music, and dance festivals are held. "Dog-a-Porter" was held in their bar/cyber café area, the invitations, cocktail party, transportation, and general maintenance of the exhibit were sponsored by the regional cultural organization of the province of Friuli, and by the Illy café company. The artist donated a percentage of the painting sales and private commissions to the theater.
How: It is possible to host and organize the exhibit "Dog-a-Porter" in many different locations. The artist is interested in working with both private galleries and public spaces, however, each exhibition has been completely different from another hence it is impossible to send a standardized proposal. Each project must be examined and planned separately. Some general guidelines are;
1.

First contact the artist by e-mail OatmanR@aol.com or by Telephone: (212) 228-7687
2. Decide where and when the exhibit will take place.
3. How much media and news coverage do you want (most magazines need a press kit and photos at least 2-3 months ahead of publication, local newspapers and TV need one week)
4. Develop press kit with the artist.
5. Is your exhibit going to need sponsors to cover costs?
6.

Costs to consider are; Transportation of the paintings and artist, invitations, opening cocktail party, personal on site during exhibits open hours, advertising, any additional merchandise to sell during exhibit such as catalogs, posters, postcards, cards, tee-shirts, etc., some kind of simple insurance against theft and damaged for the paintings.

7. Are there local organizations that would like to incorporate this exhibit with a fundraising event?
8 Would you be interested in developing some additional public projects around the dog theme (dog costume competitions, dressed dog photo competition, school group visits, slide shows about canine history or art.
9. The paintings are all for sale and the artist is willing to execute commissioned portraits for local collectors. A pre determined commission to your organization will be agreed before the exhibit concerning sales of paintings, and any additional merchandise.
To contact the artist

New York City:

453 EAST 14th ,

New York City 11HNY 10009

Tel; (212) 228-7687

Europe:

Via Giovanni Omboni #7

Milano,20129 Italy

Tel; 39- 02 -29404259

Aspen, Colorado:

c/o Eric Ringsby

514 north 3rd street

Aspen, Colorado 81611

Tel; (970) 618-4999
E-mail:OatmanR@aol.com