Kevin Kunkler, of Harpers Ferry, watches his chihuahua pug mix, Sofiya, as she looks around the Art Bazaar on the lawn of The Bridge Gallery on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Bridge Gallery held its annual fundraiser, the Art Bazaar, over the weekend.

As has been the case for the past few years, the Art Bazaar raised funds for the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County (AWSJC), a nonprofit, no-kill shelter located in Kearneysville. According to AWSJC board member Rich Clawson, the Art Bazaar has grown into a major fundraiser for his organization.

“This is one of my favorite events that we do every year. It’s so much fun — you get to see a lot of great people here and see so many interesting things,” Clawson said, mentioning close to $3,000 is raised at the event every year. “It’s nice to see how everyone works together to make this happen.”

According to AWSJC board treasurer Janet Bailey, the greatest reward from the event, however, is that it draws more attention to the nonprofit’s work.

“It gives us exposure and connections. We really appreciate how it helps get the word out there about us,” Bailey said. “This morning, while we were here, we got a couple who are moving here from Asheville, North Carolina talk with us. They said they are very interested in volunteering with us.”

Jill Livingston, of Shepherdstown, browses through the vases and dishware in the annual Art Bazaar at The Bridge Gallery on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

This comes at a critical time for the organization, which is desperately in need of more volunteers.

“We have two types of volunteers — ones for the shelter, who work directly with the shelter, and ones who like to volunteer for events like this. Some do both — definitely all of the board members,” Bailey said, noting the AWSJC board is a working board that runs and helps man the various activities at the shelter and its various fundraisers.

AWSJC has been a consistent presence in the community since its founding 73 years ago. It relies on grants, bequeaths and fundraiser proceeds to continue caring for the animals in need in Jefferson County — whether they be dogs and cats in the AWSJC shelter or local pets in need of more affordable spaying and neutering.

“I have two cats, which I love dearly, so I was happy to come here and support the cause,” said Jill Livingston, of Shepherdstown, mentioning the cats were rescues from the Jefferson County Humane Society. “This is my first time coming to this event in quite a few years. I love thrifting and antique stores, so I always enjoy it when I come here.”

The pricing and variety of quality items in the fundraiser, according to Livingston, were excellent. She walked away from the Art Bazaar with a number of eye-catching, cat-themed pieces, which she was looking forward to using in her home.

“The turnout has been good this year,” said The Bridge Gallery owner Kathryn Burns, attributing it to the weekend’s pleasant weather and to the timing of the event, when most people have returned home from their summer vacations. “The donations we received for the bazaar were, similarly, really good. We couldn’t do this without people being willing to give donations to this event or without people being interested in purchasing things from the event.”

Burns said leftover items from this year’s bazaar will be available one final time at the gallery, this coming Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Whatever’s left will be pay-what-you-want,” Burns said.