What About An Iguana in a Top Hat?

Animals are frequently subjected to the sartorial whims of their owners. Exhibit A: the long-suffering dachshund in the hot-dog costume, clearly tired of the joke. Exhibit B: the tabby cat in the handmade Christmas sweater, quietly plotting murder. Illustrator Sam Washburn elevates the animal-outfitting tradition with his new show, Animals in Suits. Every day for an entire year, Washburn created an illustration of an animal wearing, more often than not, a suit. But we're not just talking boring three-pieces here: Washburn's work includes everything from a yeti wearing swimming trunks to an antelope dressed for a Civil War battle. The Washington University fine arts graduate made prints of his memorable, beautiful illustrations and shared them with the Star Clipper Gallery (6392 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-725-9110 or www.starclipper.com), where they have been on view since November 20. Tonight, fans of animals, suits and the glorious pairing of the two will have the chance to meet Washburn at the Animals in Suits reception. The event is free, and prints are available for purchase and signing. To get a sneak peek at the animals and their bespoke outfits, visit animalsinsuits.blogspot.com. Washburn's work remains up through Friday, December 31.
Nov. 19-Dec. 24; Dec. 26-31, 2010