“Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion”
The Marion Cultural Alliance will open a new exhibit on June 5 with a free public reception.
Heather Lynne and members of her band pose with pets from the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL), which is partnering with the Marion Cultural Alliance on the “Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion” exhibition that opens June 5. [Submitted photo]
The Marion Cultural Alliance invites the community to experience the “Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion,” exhibition, which celebrates the unconditional love, companionship and joy shared between humans and their pets.
Presented in partnership with Jenkins Subaru of Ocala and the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL), the exhibit opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. June 5 at the Brick City Center for the Arts at 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala.
Featuring original artwork by regional artists, “Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion” explores the 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, the news release noted.
“This exhibit celebrates the animals who become family,” said Jaye Baillie, MCA executive director, in the release. “Through art, we honor the companionship, devotion and unconditional love that cats and dogs bring to our daily lives while also raising awareness about the importance of animal rescue and adoption.”
Baillie owns a rescue dog and cat, Poppy and Hoss Catwright, who bring joy to the family every day she shared.
Guests attending the reception will learn about the mission of VOCAL, a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless pets through rescue, rehabilitation and adoption services.
The evening will feature music from Heather Lynne & Friends and the debut of their music video, “Dreamin’ a Dream,” filmed at VOCAL with rescue pets and their “fur-ever” families.
Heather’s lifelong love of animals inspired her to partner with VOCAL. What began as a music video intended to raise awareness for the organization soon became more personal when she adopted Mario, a VOCAL rescue dog, the release stated.
The exhibition will remain on view through July 3. A portion of artwork sales from the exhibit will benefit MCA and VOCAL.
To learn more, visit mcaocala.org
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