Humane Society 5th annual "Art Saves Animals" at the Albany Institute of History & Art

June 15, 2009

Founders of Vicarious Visions, Guha and Karthik Bala, are honorary chairs

Menands, N.Y. - The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society today announced its plans for the 5th annual "Art Saves Animals" fundraising event. This year's auction will be held at the Albany Institute of History & Art on Thursday, October 8, 2009 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Founders of the high-tech gaming company Vicarious Visions, Guha and Karthik Bala, are serving as the honorary chairpersons.

Brad Shear, Executive Director of the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, said, "We are delighted to hold the event at the Institute, as well as have Guha and Karthik Bala as the honorary chairs. The Humane Society and Albany Institute are of two of the oldest not-for-profits in the region. Vicarious Visions is a Tech Valley leading edge company. This combination allows us to combine the deep history of our region with a new, younger generation of supporters."

Art Saves Animals features a cocktail reception and live and silent auction of over 150 pieces of original artwork and handcrafted items. This year's feature artist is Ken Bailey, nationally renowned for his dog and cat and vintage art. Two of Ken's prints are being used in CBS's "The Greatest American Dog." The live auction will also feature pieces created by elephants from The Asian Elephant & Conservation Project and internationally renowned dog artist Marc Tetro.

Artists who are interested in donating their artwork can obtain more information on the Humane Society web site, www.mohawkhumane.org.

About the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society

The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society (MHRHS) of Menands, New York has been saving the lives of abused and unwanted animals since 1887. MHRHS is a non-profit organization that receives no ongoing funding from federal, state or local governments or any other animal welfare organization. It relies on your generous donations to support our vital services for the over 7,000 animals served each year.

Vicarious Visions is a leading developer of video game software. The company employs over 200 talented and creative people at its Albany studio, and is responsible for hit games such as Guitar Hero: World Tour and On Tour. Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is dedicated to promoting interest in the history, art and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley. The Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the diminishing number of Asian elephants left on our planet through its work with domesticated elephants. The AEACP raises funds through donations and the sale of artwork created by elephants in order to fulfill its mission.