Several burgeoning four-legged artists recently displayed their abstract works of art at the Steve Diossy Marine Art Gallery on Ocean Drive, with proceeds to benefit the H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue Shelter.
When asked about their process, a spokesperson for the group of furry artists said the menagerie of dogs, cats and guinea pigs let loose their creative sides, giving new meaning to the pitter-patter of little feet.
H.A.L.O. staff tempted their canine friends with peanut butter, enticing them into a tail-wagging frenzy of excitement that resulted in the enthusiastically painted canvasses.
Their feline contemporaries initially turned up their noses and swished their tails but were lured to the fun with a little bit of catnip. As the cats pawed at baggies filled with catnip, they trampled across pristine canvases leaving behind a colorful expression of their pleasure.
Not wanting to be left out, a muddle of guinea pigs, recently rescued by H.A.L.O., skittered across a rather large canvas in joyous abandon.
“The animals had such a fun time doing this,” said Jacque Petrone, H.A.L.O. founder and executive director.
Diossy, a longtime supporter of H.A.L.O., invited the four-legged artists to showcase their paintings during an afternoon reception at his gallery.
“I have been a huge fan and friend of Steve’s for years,” said Petrone. “I feel like we both grew up with our passions together. I’m so happy that he’s been so successful and that now our two efforts can be combined – rescue and his artwork.”
“It’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart. H.A.L.O. takes in these neglected and abandoned animals and gives them a home. Every rescue is so appreciative,” said Diossy, who also donated a portion of sales of his own work that day.
Several H.A.L.O. rescues mingled with attendees, offering a “woof-woof” here and a “woof-woof” there. All were noncommittal in response to questions about their plans for future exhibits.
Funds raised will support their Angel Medical Fund for rescues needing extensive medical treatment, said Allyson Bootes, director of development. She cited an increase in animals being surrendered because owners cannot afford to pay for their pets’ medical bills.
“We’ve seen an extraordinary amount of surrenders with medical issues,” added Bootes. She also commented on the plight of a pair of kittens that came into the shelter in early May.
“Fred and George came in covered in fleas, had parasites, upper respiratory infections, ulcers on their eyes, and were both covered in ringworm. The amount of treatment these poor babies needed at only 3 weeks old was incredible. The fact that they even survived was a miracle in and of itself.”
The mission of H.A.L.O., which rescued 1,514 animals in 2020, is to provide a safe haven for abandoned and abused animals in Indian River County.
On Oct. 24, they are teaming up with the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department to host the H.A.L.O. Howls for Fall Festival at the Indian River Shores Community Center. For more information, visit halorescuefl.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
