photo by: Nick Krug

Van Go apprentice artist Derrius Wilson, 16, has a laugh with others at his table as he works on his Van-imal on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, at Van Go Inc., 715 New Jersey Street.

The holidays are going to the dogs (and other members of the animal kingdom) this weekend, when Van Go Inc. kicks off its month-long Adornment Holiday Art Sale and Show from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

The Van Go headquarters at 715 New Jersey St. will be transformed into a gallery — complete with twinkling lights, live music and original artwork filling almost every inch of the space — for the occasion, which raises funds for Van Go’s apprentice artist program.

About 30 young artists aged 14 to 24 are represented at the critter-themed show, which boasts everything from pastel animal portraits, glass plates and lit marquee signs to laser-cut jewelry, animal beds made out of suitcases and beastly creations called [“Van-imals”][2] that are affixed to wall mounts in the tradition of taxidermied game.

All proceeds from the show benefit Van Go programs, which offer arts-based employment opportunities to underserved youths.

“It’s all one-of-a-kind, not mass-produced work,” says Lynne Green, Van Go executive director. “Not only are you able to buy a beautiful piece of artwork made by our kids, you can also support a nonprofit. So, it feels really good to be a part of it.”

The price range this year runs from two-for-$5 magnets to bone-shaped marquee signs (for the dog lover in your life) at $150 apiece, says Green, who’s hoping to raise about $25,000 total.

That money, she notes, makes a major difference for Van Go — “we can buy snacks for the kids, we can keep the lights on, we can just operate,” Green says.

At 7 p.m. sharp on opening night, a bell is rung to signify the start of the sale and a mad dash ensues to snatch up artwork. The event also includes wine, a treat and free gift wrap, but the main event — at least for Green and her staff — is the recognition ceremony, where all 26 of the apprentice artists are introduced and a handful are asked to speak.

“It’s quite an emotional experience for those adults who are here to listen, because the kiddos really speak from their hearts about what being in Van Go has meant to them and how it has changed their lives, in some cases,” Green says. “That’s the point at which people ‘get it’ and understand what Van Go’s really about.”

Any pieces that go unsold Saturday night will still be available at Van Go 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. on the weekends until Dec. 24.

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