Art enthusiasts, parents, kids – and even dogs – are in for a treat with some exciting upcoming art events in Kirkland.

Dogs, you say?

I sat down with Bobby Stickel, Studio East’s new director of marketing, who told me about an event that your dog just won’t want to miss.

Studio East will be holding dog auditions to cast Toto in the organization’s “The Wizard of Oz” production. Dogs of all sizes, shapes, age and color are welcome to tryout from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 in the parking lot at Studio East Training for the Performing Arts, 11730 118th Ave. N.E., Suite 100. The day will be full of fun activities for families too, and people will have the opportunity to meet Dorothy.

There are some requirements to audition for Toto: Dogs must be under 18 pounds, able to follow hand signals to sit, stay, come and run across the stage; and willing to be carried in a basket. If your pooch is frightened by live music or clapping, this may not be its calling.

Two dogs will be cast and each successful dog will appear as Toto for three or four performances at the Kirkland Performance Center (KPC), on either the weekend of July 29 or Aug. 5.

Check back with the Reporter for more details as the date draws near, or contact Studio East for more information: http://studio-east.org/.

Speaking of the KPC, did you know that the organization is currently having a Facebook Fan Fundraiser?

The fund raiser is meant to encourage Facebook “friends” to migrate to KPC’s fan page. Just click on the “like” icon on KPC’s Facebook page, and KPC receives $3 for every new fan through the first week of May.

Jenn Bassman, KPC marketing director, says an anonymous donor has agreed to donate $3 for every new fan. “Our donor is committed to the idea of social marketing, and more specifically, anything that encourages friends and family to spread the word about KPC and our performances,” said Bassman. At the start of the campaign, KPC had 523 Fans. KPC has added 200 fans, totaling $600 raised so far. Become a KPC fan by visiting www.facebook.com/pages/Kirkland-Performance-Center/45480689365.

Kirkland cartoonist Jodie Masiwchuck is also seeking online votes for a chance to achieve syndication for her comic strip, “Suburban Sarah,” which draws on her life as a stay-at-home mom in Kirkland. You may have seen her cartoon periodically in the Reporter.

She has entered a national online contest at TheCartoonistStudio.com for her cartoon. She is currently in the top tier of the competition, and is asking people to vote for her comic strip daily through May 7. The winner receives a contract with syndication agency, Creator’s Syndicate. For more information about “Suburban Sarah,” visit www.suburbansarah.com.

Here are a few more art events you won’t want to miss:

• Locavore: Join the Kirkland Arts Center in celebration of locally made food, art and wine from 4-7 p.m. April 30 at the KAC, 620 Market St. More than 50 artists participating in the Kirkland Artists Studio Tour will auction their artwork during the event. For information, call 425-822-7161, ext. 103. Cost is $40.

• The ARTisan Gourmet is a series of fun, handcrafted food events sponsored by the Kirkland Cultural Council. Upcoming events include an ARTisan High Tea on May 1 and a Wine, Cheese and Antipasto event on May 15. Tickets are $25 per person for each event and proceeds go to supporting the arts, culture and heritage in Kirkland. For reservations, visit kccartisangourmetbrunch.eventbrite.com/.

• Artwalk is now the second Friday of the month from 6-9 p.m. Along with the participating galleries of downtown Kirkland, the City of Kirkland Cultural Council “Artilization” Team has plans to invigorate the new artwalk experience with the inclusion of sidewalk activities, temporary artist placement in participating businesses, and live performances. Visit www.kirklandartwalk.org for information.