AIKEN --- Despite the soggy day, the Helter Skelter Shelter Art and Auction Party had a large turnout Friday night.

More than 100 people showed up to the event, taking place for the second year, in the hopes of placing a winning bid on one of the 20 paintings created by animals at the Aiken Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which held the party.

"The event netted about $10,000 last year," said Gary Willoughby, the SPCA's executive director. "We hope we're fortunate enough to exceed that this year."

Proceeds benefit the SPCA's operations.

Friday's gathering, held at the Old H & D Stables in the Aiken horse district, offered artwork by animals from dogs and cats to two pot-bellied pigs and a couple of rabbits, who hopped around in paint to make their creation.

The animals' artwork "is kind of a unique thing people can show off in their home," Mr. Willoughby said.

Portraits of some of the SPCA animals by local artist Monica Monk also were up for sale.

Friday's art auction was a prelude to the Aiken SPCA's largest fundraiser of the year: the sixth annual Westmuttster Dog Show, which starts at noon today at Aiken Horse Park.

The show is an opportunity for shelter dogs and purebreds to strut their stuff and compete in such categories as Prettiest Eyes, Best Tail Wagger, So Ugly It's Cute, Grandparents and Granddogs, and Hollywood -- Here I Come.

Winners of those categories go on to compete for Best in Show.

Reach Michelle Guffey at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or michelle.guffey@augustachronicle.com