Museum Of Dog Offers A Preview Of A Dog-Lover's Paradise

Lisa Green reports from North Adams. You don’t have to be a dog lover to enjoy the Museum of Dog, but it would probably help, since you’re going to be surrounded by massive amounts of dog-related memorabilia. On Friday, April 27, the Museum of Dog, located in an historic building, opened its doors for a preview party prior to its official opening the next day to coincide with the beginning of ArtWeek. David York founded the museum as a tribute to dogs (and a way to exhibit his personal collection). Along with the mind-boggling mass of canine-related “things,” including original Wegman photographs, vintage dog collars, dog-inspired furniture, jewelry, books and old-timey dog products, the MOD plans to produce special exhibitions, and introduced its first with the photos of fine art dog photographer Jesse Freidin [above], on hand to sign copies of his book “Finding Shelter.”

Artists Cathy Wysocki and Wayne Hopkins, with Robin Sher, who is in the process of moving (with her four dogs) to Williamstown from Texas; artist Dawn Nelson and Bill Riley, a former set artist who is opening a gallery in Adams.

The back room is loaded with canine paraphernalia.

Johnathan Langlois and Nicollette Tanzi work at the museum; Irving Slavid, a conservator of artworks and historical artifacts, Michelle Wiley, a pianist and singer, and Jennifer Conn, who assisted in the renovation of the building and setup of the museum.

The living room section of the museum, where, presumably, dogs are allowed.

You can't miss the entrance, or the limousines (York purchased two vintage stretch limos and hopes to drive around and transport people to the museum).