Local artist is dogging it

All 16 of Sarah Prescott’s dogs will have their day on Saturday and Sunday, even though they exist only on paper.

The 16 canines are images in Prescott’s watercolor painting entitled, “The Future of AKC.” The piece was chosen as the winner of the 10th annual American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship poster contest. The image will be featured heavily at the National Championship, taking place at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center this weekend.

“The Future of AKC” depicts dogs of all different breeds huddled around a silver trophy and colorful “Best in Show” ribbon.

“I wanted to include a wide variety of breeds from the various groups,” Prescott said. “They represent some of the wonderful dogs that have brought me great pleasure over the years as an artist.”

Prescott, a La Cañada resident for the past 20 years, created and submitted the piece to poster competition in October. She was named the contest winner on Nov. 10 and received a $1,000 prize.

“When I received the phone call telling me that my entry had won I was shocked and elated,” Prescott said. “I’m honored that my painting is going to represent the 2010 American Kennel Club National Championship.”

Each year thousands of dogs and their owners from all over the world compete in the National Championship. The winner earns a $225,000 prize in addition to the title of national champion.

“This competition is very much a part of the American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship and fits naturally with the event because dogs have been depicted in art for centuries,” said Jason Taylor, a Eukanuba media representative, in a news release. “The energy and excitement at the event is palpable and each year our winning artists represent the spirit and wonder of purebred dogs very well.”

Daughter of artist Larry Gluck, Prescott was exposed to art early, at age 7. It wasn’t until 1992, when she opened her own Mission: Renaissance art instruction school in La Cañada, that art became her passion.

It was at Mission: Renaissance that Prescott discovered her love for watercolors, which is now her specialty. She prefers the watercolor medium because it gives her the freedom to layer many colors on top of each other to create a unique effect.

Posters of Prescott’s winning piece will be available for purchase at the American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Take the Lead, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to providing direct services, support and care for people in the sport of purebred dogs who suffer from terminal illnesses. Prescott will be signing the posters at the National Championship on Saturday and Sunday.

Many clients come to Prescott to have her paint portraits of their children and pets. Prescott’s art can be found at several local shops, including Penelope’s Café and Gallery, Adobe Design, Andersen’s Pet store and the Paper Rabbit in Montrose.

Note cards, to-do lists, bookmarks and vinyl stickers with images of Prescott’s work can be purchased at her website, https://www.unfurgettables.com.