Haverhill Artist Dale Rogers to Exhibit ‘Big Dog Show’ at Bradford Common Oct. 20-22

Haverhill metal sculptor Dale Rogers poses with his "American Dog" art. (Courtesy photograph)

Bradford Common is going to the dogs this weekend – eight-foot ones, to be exact. Haverhill artist Dale Rogers, who debuted his iconic “American Dog” sculpture in 2004, will exhibit a collection of 20 larger-than-life dog sculptures in an effort to bring awareness of the arts to his hometown.

“It’s a really nice art exhibit because people, including myself, are so in love with dogs these days, and it gives you a ‘dog’s-eye-view’ of the world,” the artist told WHAV. “When you’re there and surrounded by these dogs that are much bigger than you, it gives you compassion to how dogs view the world. I think that’s a special thing right now.”

Best known locally for his 16-foot American Dog sculpture on Interstate 495 in Haverhill dubbed ‘The Haverhill Hound,’ Rogers takes great pride in seeing his work go global. Shipping his sculptures as far as China and Belize, the artist is tight-lipped as to the inspiration behind the iconic animal. “I have intentionally kept it so people can view all their dogs in it, but if you had to nail me down, I’d say it’s the front of a Golden and the back of a Lab. I’m not going to stop you from seeing your dog in it.”

This weekend, Rogers is partnering with Sweet Paws Rescue, Over the Moon Cakes and Battle Grounds Coffee Company for the event, which will feature food vendors and artisan booths. Funds raised will be donated to Cogswell ArtSpace, Rogers said.

“What I would like to see out of it is that Haverhill is staying current with its arts movement and bringing art into Haverhill is a very important thing,” he said. “If we don’t stay current and bring art to our residents in Haverhill, we’re just going to fall behind. We’re not going to be viewed as a progressive city. It’s important that we stay current.”

The Big Dog Show by Dale Rogers takes place at the Bradford Common Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20-22.