Create Portrait Of A Pet At Old Dominion Humane Society’s ‘Paint Pawty’ on August 29
- Lenora Kruk - Mullanaphy
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Guests can create a keepsake of a beloved pet when registering for Old Dominion Humane Society’s (ODHS) “Paint Pawty” at its Fredericksburg facility from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on August 29. No art skills are needed in this funfilled class, where there will also be time to cuddle with the rescue pups for the first half hour.
The fun, creative event lets people turn a favorite photo of their pet—any type of animal--into a personalized painting.
Each participant sends a photo of their current or past pet ahead of time. From there, the canvas is prepared by the ODHS team and ready for guests to bring their pets to life.
Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) volunteers and artists Tami Wood Boles (left) and Ana Ojeda lead a “Paint Pawty” class in July. Guests create keepsakes of beloved pets—current or past of any animal--on canvas.
Ana Ojeda, of Stafford, and Tami Wood Boles, of Spotsylvania, long-time ODHS volunteers, co-lead the class and guide participants through each step of the process. They make it easy for people of all skill levels to create a unique piece of artwork they’re proud to take home.
“I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember and work across a variety of mediums, including painting, illustration, digital art and mixed media,” said Ojeda. “Much of my work is inspired by animals and nature and has been exhibited throughout Virginia. I create custom wall art, illustrated a children’s book (“Panda’s Big Heart”) and have led workshops at breweries and wineries.”
Ojeda believes every animal deserves the chance to feel safe and loved. As a volunteer for ODHS, it allows her to be part of that second chance. She said watching a frightened or neglected dog learn to trust again and eventually finding a loving home is one of the most rewarding experiences she can imagine.
“If I can use my time, creativity and skills to make even one animal’s life better, then it’s time well spent,” she said.
Boles, who has loved art her entire life, went to college to attain an art degree. She worked with interior designers painting murals and faux finishes for several years. Boles said she’s always had a passion for art and loves being able to use her talent to help the ODHS rescue dogs.
The $55 registration includes all art supplies, guidance by ODHS volunteers, a snack, as well as inspiration beforehand with the most adorable rescue puppies who are ready to mingle. For more information about the “Paint Pawty” and to register, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org/paint-pawty.
Old Dominion Humane Society provides well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption surveys submitted in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.