“Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion” opens at The Brick
‘Like our pets, these art pieces evoke emotion and inspire action without speaking a single sentence.’
Courtney Ross of Voices of Change Animal League gets kisses from VOCAL dogs, Butter and Hush Puppy during the Marion Cultural Alliance opening reception for ÒCats & Dogs: A Portrait of DevotionÓ exhibition at the Brick City Center for the Arts in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, June 5, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
Among the more than 150 guests at the June 5 opening reception for a new art exhibit at The Brick City Center for the Arts were Butter, Hushpuppy and Cornbread.
The adorable puppies of honor were there with the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) in hopes of finding a forever home.
The event, hosted by the Marion Cultural Alliance, kicked off the new “Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion” exhibition.
Featuring 50 original artworks by regional artists, the exhibit explores the unique bond between people and their animal companions through painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media and more. From playful personalities to deeply emotional connections, the exhibit captures the loyalty, comfort, humor and healing that pets bring into our lives, said Jaye Baillie, executive director of MCA.
“The ‘Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion’ exhibit reminds us all to slow down, observe and connect. It encourages us to see and understand messages that aren’t spoken. Pets communicate their devotion through their expression, trust, companionship and unconditional love. Like our pets, these art pieces evoke emotion and inspire action without speaking a single sentence. The event was well attended by art and animal lovers alike,” said Kate Rengel, executive director of VOCAL.
The soiree, which was sponsored by Jenkins Subaru of Ocala, included refreshments and music from Heather Lynne & Friends, including the debut of their music video “Dreamin’ a Dream,” filmed at VOCAL with rescue pets and their “fur-ever” families.
The exhibition will remain on view through July 3. A portion of artwork sales will benefit MCA and VOCAL. The Brick City Center for the Arts is at 23 SW Broadway St., in downtown Ocala.
To learn more, visit mcaocala.org and vocalforpets.org
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