Dogs have a lot of personality, but with a lot of precision and effort, their energy and expressions can be documented, artists say.
The themed community art exhibit “Who Let the Dogs Out? Portraits of Our Best Friends,” opens Friday at the Cortland Free Library.
The show, which is sponsored by the Groton Art Class, showcases the work of students and colleagues of class instructor David Beale. The paintings feature the artists’ dogs, their loved ones’ dogs, or are in remembrance of their previous dogs.
Last year’s event, “Cat Tales,” featured depictions of artists’ cats, in many different media.
Denise Knight, who co-organized the event, said the popularity of dogs made this year’s theme an easy choice.
“Dogs are harder to paint, I think because there are so many different breeds,” Knight said. “You’ve got floppy ears, pointy ears, all sorts of different furs.”
Lisa Schaaf of Cincinnatus created two paintings of her rescue dog, Kitty.
“She is the best dog we’ve ever had,” Schaaf said. “We got her at Helping Hounds up in Syracuse, and have had her for five years. She’s always laying around here somewhere, so it was easy to find a subject to paint.”
Tom Steger of Moravia painted his daughter’s dog Mikki.
“She’s a rescue dog,” Steger said. “When they got her, she was kind of a troubled soul — full of energy, and a little out of control. Now, with a little bit of training, she’s a dependable dog, and my daughter’s best buddy. They go out and walk for miles every week.”
The exhibit will be open for viewing through the end of January. Light refreshments will be offered, and most of the paintings will be for sale.
“Original paintings make nice holiday gifts,” Knight said. “It’s great to patronize the local arts scene. The artists, many of whom will be there at the opening reception, appreciate a good turnout.”
Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award during the opening reception, Knight said.
“One thing that is amazing about our little community is that there’s a lot of people involved in the arts in our community,” Schaaf said. “It’s pretty amazing. We always attract people, just because a lot of people in the area have an affection for the arts.”
“The area has many talented people, and you don’t understand how talented they are until you see things firsthand,” Steger said. “It’s a chance to see what some of your friends’ neighbors are able to do.”
