What a night, and what a milestone! Picasso Pets 2026: Wags to Riches, presented by VP Funds, brought more than 360 guests together at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum on Saturday, Aug. 22, for an unforgettable celebration of Hand in Paw’s mission. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, this year’s event exceeded its fundraising goal, providing vital support for Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy programs.
This year marked the 25th annual Picasso Pets, and Wags to Riches brought plenty of Art Deco glamour to the occasion. Guests arrived in their finest 1920s- and ’30s-inspired cocktail attire for an evening filled with original art, exciting auctions, great food and drinks, and, of course, Hand in Paw Therapy Teams.
The evening began with the exclusive Dogtopia VIP Experience featuring hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and a first look at the 2026 Picasso Pets paintings. Each one-of-a-kind work began months earlier when beloved pets put paws to canvas before local artists Carol Carmichael, Caleb Clark, Sarah Mason, Gina Musser, Susan Oliver, and Michael Swann transformed those first brushstrokes into finished works of art.
Throughout the evening, guests bid on an incredible lineup of silent and live auction items, from dining, travel, wine, and entertainment packages to one-of-a-kind experiences. The live auction brought some of the night’s biggest moments, including private dinner parties prepared by the Hand in Paw team, wine tasting and tapas experiences, and spirited bidding for the opportunity to name a beloved pet the Face of Picasso Pets 2027.
But the heart of Picasso Pets has always been Hand in Paw’s mission.
During the evening’s program, guests saw how the generosity behind Picasso Pets translates into meaningful moments of comfort, connection, and healing throughout our community. Hand in Paw also recognized two extraordinary members of our extended family.
Kirkwood by the River received the Tweety Lasker Award, recognizing its outstanding partnership with Hand in Paw, while longtime volunteer Becki Vance received the Margaret Davis Volunteer Service Award. Becki has volunteered with Hand in Paw for more than 18 years, contributed more than 2,000 hours of service, and served alongside four Therapy Animals — three dogs and a guinea pig.
Reaching the 25th annual Picasso Pets is a milestone worth celebrating, but what matters most is what comes next. Picasso Pets helps us continue recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers; building partnerships with hospitals, schools, and human service organizations; and providing Animal-Assisted Therapy visits throughout Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa at no cost to our Program Partners.
None of it would be possible without the generosity of our guests, Presenters, artists, auction donors, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who helped bring Wags to Riches to life. Thank you for making our 25th annual Picasso Pets one for the record books — and for helping Hand in Paw continue improving lives, one visit at a time.
Picasso Pets 2026 was made possible with generous support from the sponsors below. Their partnership strengthens Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy programs throughout the year. Interested in sponsoring Picasso Pets 2027? Contact Margaret Stinnett to learn more!
Presenting Sponsor: VP Funds
Stage Sponsor: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
VIP Experience Sponsor: Dogtopia
Live Auction Sponsor: Cameron & Scott Vowell
Photo Booth Sponsor: Land Rover Birmingham
Art Exhibit Sponsor: John 3:16
Tweety Lasker Award Sponsor: Katie & Dr. Jim Lasker
Silent Auction Sponsor: Fi Plan Partners
Therapy Teams Sponsor: Medical Properties Trust
Wine Pull Sponsor: Grain & Leaf
VIP Table Sponsors: Jennifer & Ernest Bates; Children’s of Alabama; Rosemary & Greg Greaves; Melanie & Don Lewis; Pinnacle Financial Partners; Southern Company; SCS Commercial Operations
HIP Champions: 23 Design; ABC 33/40; Altec; Bham Now; Encompass Health; Forvis Mazars; Lou Ann Lott; Brad & Suzanne Morton; Dr. Susan & Rick Nelms; Protective; Relax The Back; UAB Medicine
HIP Heroes: Louise & Jim Abroms; Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation; Big Dog Ranch Rescue; Brittney & Clay Clark; Connie Collum Pet Photography; Holt A/V; Hospice of West Alabama; Lynn & Benny LaRussa; Deborah Michelle Photography; Rosen Harwood; Margot Shaw; Mary Stamper; Two Bitch Spirits
HIP Friends: Hollywood Feed; Hound Dog Wine; House Plant Collective; Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial; Three Dimensional Dog
From the Wags to Riches glamour to the Picasso Pets paintings, Therapy Teams, auctions, and celebrations, there’s plenty more to see!
Event Photos Photo Booth Pics
Picasso Pets may be over for another year, but the work it supports happens every day. You can help Hand in Paw meet the growing demand for Animal-Assisted Therapy by making a gift, volunteering with your pet, or becoming a monthly donor through The Pack.
And if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your own pet create a Picasso Pets masterpiece, planning for 2027 starts sooner than you might think! Contact Margaret Stinnett at margaret@handinpaw.org to learn about commissioning a painting for next year’s event.
Thank you for making 25 years of Picasso Pets, and countless moments of healing and hope, possible.
