Party for Paws

Mort had an extremely eventful weekend, to say the least. In between gallery appearances in Gettysburg and Winchester, he attended “Party for Paws”, a fundraising event benefitting the Humane Society of Warren County.

Mort generously donated his time and talent for the affair’s auction by agreeing to do an original sketch of the highest bidders favorite pet.

Prior to the auction Mort was, somewhat unexpectedly, asked to speak.

Two things must be understood: Mort has an exceptional sense of humor, and it had been a very long, physically exhausting day. “There are three reasons why I came,” he began. “One is Larry LeHew, if you know him you have to love him. Jeff I have to love because he buys my paintings. The third is that I never lose focus what I’m doing, I’m here to raise money for a good cause - and I’m going to try and get every dime out of you people!”

Larry LeHew and his son Jeff graciously hosted the affair at the family’s stately and historical home Bel Air, which overlooks Front Royal, VA. This is the same house seen in Mort’s painting The Autograph Seekers of Bel Air.

This photo is of Mort, Larry LeHew, and the winning bidders with their prized new sketch.