A photographic poodle exhibition showcasing the style and design surrounding the breed and their placement in unusual and quirky scenarios is currently on display at the Drying Shed at The Mill in Castlemaine.
Last month’s exhibition launch saw the small artist’s space overflowing with poodle enthusiasts and their pooches as they enjoyed a poodle wool spinning demonstration by textile artist Janine Clark and the excitement of a poodle tracking demonstration from Margaret Wright and her poodle Fleur. Artist and professional poodle groomer Arrow Black has a display of colourful, woolly poodles, alongside over 120 photos contributed by community members and fellow poodle enthusiasts.
“Poodle people love meeting other poodle people,” Arrow told the Mail.
“I organised this exhibition in order to promote the breed. These days everyone owns an Oodle, but Poodles are so versatile. There’s nothing an Oodle can do that a Poodle can’t.”
Arrow has worked as a professional pet groomer for 27 years, but after adopting an old retired breeding poodle six years ago, her passion for the breed began to grow, leading her to specialise in curly-haired dogs.
Her business The Poodle Groomer, based in Yapeen, sees clients and their pooches travelling from all over to get a cut and colour from Arrow’s expert hands. An average visit will run for two hours but can go for as long as five – depending on the complexity of the request. Services include show grooming, warm bubble bath’s, nail trimming, and fluff drying as well as a range of creative grooming services which can include; coloured body designs (think butterflies, leopard print and even a luck dragon!), Mohawks, hair banding and even koala ears. Pooches can get their nails painted and a choice of bows and accessories. One of Arrow’s passions is running workshops teaching poodle owners essential grooming techniques such as conditioning treatments, brushing and combing, styling techniques and using bows and bling.
Tammen enjoying the art exhibition launch last month.
“Poodles are amazing,” commented Arrow.
“They work in schools as therapy dogs, visit hospital nursing homes, and compete in trick trials. They could do pretty much anything, although I’m not sure they’d be great at security work.”
Arrow also runs poodle playdates out in Guildford every few months, creating a space for poodle lovers to meet and talk about their curly-haired pooches. Check out her Facebook page- The Poodle Groomer for information on upcoming playdates.
The Poodle Art Exhibition will be on display until June 20 at The Drying Shed Arts Space at The Mill, 9 Walker Street Castlemaine open Friday to Monday 11 am- 3 pm.