Artwork By Perry Hall Middle School Students Will Be Sold To Benefit SPCA

PERRY HALL, Md. (WJZ) -- A unique partnership is happening in Baltimore County.

As Mike Schuh reports, a teacher's passion for dogs has led to a silent auction and art show this weekend at the White Marsh Mall.

Art teacher Molly Shapell paints dogs.

"I had to limit it to summer because I work full-time and have a 2-year-old," said Shapell.

She decided to do a volunteer painting for the SPCA. She was sent a dog's photo and through her magical talent and skill transformed it.

It sold for $300 and the money was donated to the SPCA.

"And I said, I have this idea. What if all of my students could help out your organization?" Shapell said.

And by all of her students, she meant all of them.

More than 300 seventh-graders in four classes at Perry Hall Middle School sat down to draw, paint and create renditions of SPCA shelter dogs and cats.

Ariel Wagerman picked a pup to immortalize.  But she doesn't keep her painting; it's being sold.

"My mom says she just wants it to keep at home, but I don't really know," Wagerman said.

Schuh: "So your mom may get into a bidding war with somebody?"

Wagerman: "Yeah."

The minimum bid on all of the creations is $5.00, and in all, the students' efforts will bring in at least $1,500.

And doing good for animals brings other benefits.

"It makes me feel good about myself," said Chetan Abupa, seventh-grader.

The one-day only show will be Sunday at White Marsh Mall.  There will be about 300 paintings to choose from. Thirty of the pieces will be on display, but are being held for a special auction later.

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