What to know
- Rescued cows at Farmhouse Garden Animal Home in Uxbridge make each painting using their tongues and non-toxic ingredients to create abstract art.
- The event, called “Cows on Canvas,” takes place Nov. 14 at The Lab in Toronto and will include live music, food, and drinks.
- Art buyers get a photo or video of their specific cow artist in action, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
- All proceeds from tickets and art sales go directly to caring for the sanctuary’s 21 cows, as the organization marks its 10th anniversary.
Ontario cows are making their mark on the art world — one lick at a time. And now, you can get your hands on their masterpieces in Toronto.
Farmhouse Garden Animal House, an animal sanctuary in Uxbridge, is coming to Toronto to showcase and sell original abstract paintings created by rescued cows.
Why are cows painting — and how?
Fundraising and events coordinator Sarah Fay says she saw tons of videos of dogs painting on TikTok and decided to follow suit.
“Cows are just big dogs. So, if dogs can do it, cows can do it too,” Fay told Now Toronto.
For those wondering how it works, Fay explained that Farmhouse Garden Animal House takes a canvas, adds paint, molasses, and plastic on top so cows can use their tongues without ingesting toxic materials, and then cows create wonderful artwork.
Fay’s favourite pieces are always done by the cow, Terry Jane. She describes the cow as a “big meanie,” but she’s supposedly really good at making floral art.
“It’s like her inner niceness is coming out on canvas,” Fay joked.
Art, music, food: Everything you need to know about the event
Cows on Canvas will take place at The Lab, 108 Dundas St. W., on Nov. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Farmhouse Garden Animal Home is also celebrating its 10th anniversary as an animal sanctuary.
“Now, all of these cows are just happy to live their best lives here at the farm and grow old. They don’t have to do anything except make some pretty paintings,” Fay said.
During the event, videos will be playing on a screen showcasing the cows creating the artwork. Art buyers will also receive their own picture, video, or both of their cow making that painting.
Early bird tickets start at $30, and ticket and artwork proceeds will go toward caring for all 21 cows.
The event will feature artwork, fiddle and piano music, and some food and drinks.
