Venice-based artist Gary Steinborn embraces and supports Venice Family Clinic’s mission to provide quality primary health care to people in need. That’s why, every year for decades, he has generously donated a Blue Dog for our silent auction. His ceramic dog has become so iconic that it has evolved into an “unofficial mascot” for Venice Family Clinic Art Walk & Auction.

This year to commemorate our event’s 40th anniversary, we collaborated with Steinborn and 40 artists—some established, others mid-career and emerging—who each created a one-of-a-kind ceramic puppy, as an ode to Steinborn and his beloved piece.

The puppies drew a lot of attention and attracted a steady crowd at the event. The puppy receiving the highest bid was Queen of the Watch Dogs from Ramona Otto, which sold for over $9,000. Sales from the special edition puppies totaled more than $45,000.