(SARAH BREWER / CLICK PHOTO DESIGN)

MADISON – Pet dogs will be the painters’ focus at Brushes and Barks, presented by Madison Arts Council (MAC).

Lily Pond Art Studio, 12060 County Line Road in Village Shoppes of Madison, will host the casual class on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.

“Brushes and Barks is one of a series of classes to engage the community in the arts,” MAC President Beth Ridgeway said. “We’re excited to have this latest class at Lily Pond Art Studio.”

The fun evening will be tempered with “professional painters giving tips on achieving that ‘paws-atively’ fantastic painting.” Nicole Stanik and her business partner at Lily Pond will suggest which brush to use, highlights and strokes.

MAC introduced painting classes earlier this year and proved its “love for our furry friends” with the Art 4 Paws event in April. Proceeds from MAC painting classes will start a scholarship program for graduates of Madison high schools. “We hope to get people in the community aware of MAC, our goals and help them ‘tap into the senses,'” Ridgeway said.

At Brushes and Barks, participants will bring a photograph of their four-legged friend and use acrylic paint to create the likeness on an 11-by-14 inch canvas. “We’re trying to vary the types of classes we offer, and we know people love their pets,” Ridgeway said. “If you are a first-time painter and a little worried, we take away the stress. You will be surprised at what you can do.”

Lily Pond will provide all supplies, including brushes, paint and canvas. MAC will offer wine and snacks, but painters can bring their own beverage.

Seating is limited to 40. For tickets, visit artsmadison.org.

For more information about Lily Pond, call 256-374-6028 or visit lilypondartstudio.com or Facebook/LilyPondArt.

In MAC, “we are a collective group of like-minded volunteers committed to the quality of ‘heART’ in Madison,” Ridgeway said. “I can’t wait to partner with more Madison businesses.”

For MAC information, email to info@artsmadison.org or visit artsmadison.org or Facebook/MadisonArtsCouncil.