BELFAST — Parent Fine Art LLC in Belfast is holding a fun-filled event supporting furry friends, Thursday, Sept. 19, from 3 - 5 p.m., at the gallery. 

“Get ready to make a difference for Maine wildlife and all animals in need while viewing the beautiful artworks of renowned Maine artists available for bidding,” said Gina Garey,, in a news release.

Author and Director of International at the Center for a Humane Economy Jennifer Skiff will speak on the mission to protect wildlife and all animals globally.

This in-person event offers an opportunity to add to your art collection with unique works from a diverse group of artists while supporting animal protection efforts.

Twenty artists have donated art for the auction.

Proceeds will go towards animal wellness initiatives and the artists.

Refreshments will be served.

Jennifer Skiff is a strategic policy advisor who works with government leaders, corporations, and charities to create positive change for all animals. She is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author. Her inspirational books, The Divinity of Dogs and God Stories are published in seven languages, and Rescuing Ladybugs: Inspirational Encounters with Animals That Changed the World, has received several 1st place literary prizes.
For more than a decade, Skiff crisscrossed the globe as an investigative correspondent for CNN, receiving honors including the prized Environmental Media Award.

Skiff has more than 25 years of experience leading animal welfare organizations and leads by example. After witnessing the torture of Asiatic bears in 1998, she initiated and led the successful campaign to build the first bear sanctuary in the country of Laos. Today that sanctuary is home to 22 bears. In Indonesia, she negotiated the release of twelve chained monkeys from a hotel zoo into their natural habitat. Her intervention was credited for shuttering the zoo six months later. And in Australia, in 2021, in what was called a global first for animal welfare, Jennifer co-authored the position paper that led to West Australia Parliament passing sweeping legislation to end puppy farming. The new laws require mandatory dog sterilization, dog breeder registration to increase transparency and traceability, a statewide registration system to help authorities identify irresponsible breeders of dogs and cats, and the transitioning of pet shops into adoption centers.

In 2019, Skiff was appointed Director of International for the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action in Washington. She specializes in public policy and corporate reform initiatives to benefit animals. As a private consultant, she works with governments and NGOs as a strategic policy advisor, examining issues that affect people and animals and creating solutions to benefit all.

In her book, Rescuing Ladybugs, Skiff coined the phrase “The Compassion Movement.” She defines it as “the collective quest to alleviate suffering for all forms of life.” Teachers around the world are using the book to inspire students to create lasting change.

Skiff is featured in the global art exhibition, “WOMAN,” a compilation of portraits by female artists highlighting the “most inspirational women in the world.”

Skiff grew up in Bar Harbor, and resides on Mount Desert Island.