Caricature artist, hissing cockroaches, dunk tank and free hotdogs

Caricature artist and professionally-trained animator, Mooshe Nickerson says that she loves drawing pets because they aren’t afraid to show their true personalities. Nickerson will find no shortage of willing subjects at the White Lake Pet Supplies Plus Neighbor Appreciation Block Party on Saturday, June 20, where she will caricature pets and their humans.
Nickerson, of CAREcatures in Livonia (www.CAREcatures.com), was a caricature artist for the Detroit and Philadelphia Zoos, and holds a bachelor’s degree in animation and cartooning from Savannah College of Art & Design. She says that caricatures are all about capturing the true essence of the pet—or person—that is accentuated in their caricature likeness. Each drawing takes Nickerson three to five minutes and produces an 11 by 17-inch portrait they can take home at no charge, courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus.
The block party will also feature giant hissing cockroaches, a baby alligator, snakes, reptiles and other exotic pets from Turtle Creek Farm, an educational farm and children’s nature camp in Waterford, along with numerous shopper perks—20 percent off pet supplies (excludes sales and clearance); free nail trims for “anything with a paw;” and free hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. See event schedule for all activities.
“Our neighbors look forward to our block party each year,” says store owner, Addy Shattuck. “It’s a great way for us to show our appreciation for their business and to support some local charities. Plus, who doesn’t love a block party?”
Block party guests can test their pitching skills at a store team member dunk tank, make a glass or ceramic ornament courtesy of Ceramics by You, and try their luck at raffles every 30 minutes, for two Weber grills and pet services and supplies courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus including pet grooming, doggie wash, a three-month supply of dog or cat food, a doggie bed and more.
Everyone is invited. Events are scheduled as follows:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Store sales, raffles, glass and ceramics, dunk tank and free nail trims for
”anything with a paw”
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Exotic pet exhibit from Turtle Creek Farm
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones
Noon – 5 p.m. Free caricatures
Part of the proceeds from store sales will go to the local chapter of D.A.R.E., a national program for drug abuse resistance education, and Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford, which runs a food pantry for people and pets, and provides emergency food, clothing and assistance to families in need. Donations for the organizations will also be accepted.
Pet Supplies Plus is at 8020 Cooley Lake Rd. in White Lake. For more information, go to www.petsuppliesplus.com/WHITELAKE13, follow our blog at AddysPSP.wordpress.com or call 248-360-1400.