Felines & Canines

The variation in this exhibit might be dizzying were the subject matter not so familiar: “Felines and Canines.” This diversity is thanks in part to the sheer number of artists involved. Thirty six area artists, with mediums that include acrylic, collage, sculpture, and cyanotype, utilizing materials from crochet to car hoods, “Felines and Canines” is a stroll through a park of fantastical wonder, animal mischief, and nostalgic charm. 

Jimmy’s Contemplation on the Universe by Amy Martin. Oil on Canvas. 24” x 30”

Jimmy’s Contemplation on the Universe by Amy Martin. Oil on Canvas. 24” x 30”

Whatever you might expect from an exhibit about cats and dogs, “Felines and Canines” is more. Furry, cuddly companions take on spirited, whimsical characteristics when situated in, say, a distant galaxy. Perhaps spending more time than usual with pets this year while working from home led the artists to contemplate the inner worlds of the animal members of their family. Many of the works read as musings on what antics cats and dogs might get into, were we not around, like in Jody Bruns’s lithograph, “Marauding Coyote? No, Just Zeke,” or the spunky letterpress warning from Carillon Press: “Beware of Cat!”

Beware of Cat! By Carillon Press. Wood engraving and letterpress, 7” x 10”

Beware of Cat! By Carillon Press. Wood engraving and letterpress, 7” x 10”

Many pet owners wish for translation or mind reading capabilities, while Angela Fritz offers clues in oil paint and collage with the sophisticated canine musing: “He wondered if the guests would spill red wine on the aubergine sofa?” The personalities of cats and dogs are portrayed with the charm of a saturday morning cartoon special in the work from artists David Sparks, Emma Overman, Su A Che and Joy Hernandez, whose pup is playing catch in space. Others are from a human’s point of view, including Jody Bruns, Vita, Pamela S. Watson, and Courtland Blade’s classic take, “The Cat,” a view we might recognize from our own couch.

Space Puppies. By Joy Hernandez. Aerosol and acrylic, 24” x 36.”

Space Puppies. By Joy Hernandez. Aerosol and acrylic, 24” x 36.”

The Cat. By Courtland Blade. Oil on Canvas, 20” x 16.”

The Cat. By Courtland Blade. Oil on Canvas, 20” x 16.”

Felines and Canines will be on display in the Harrison Center’s Speck Gallery for the month of May. The exhibit can be viewed by appointment as well as in our online gallery, where all pieces are available for purchase.

A complete list of the artists whose work is included in the group show:

  • Adam Starr

  • Alyssa Overton

  • Amy Martin

  • Andrew Perry Davis

  • Angela Fritz

  • Candice Hartsough

  • Candice Hartsough

  • Carillon Press

  • Cathy Williams

  • Courtland Blade

  • Cristina Tanaskovich

  • Daniel Moosbrugger

  • David Sparks

  • Dee Dee Bernhardt

  • Elyce Elder

  • Gigi Salij

  • Gregory Allen Potter

  • JD Bills

  • Jessica Green

  • Jody Bruns

  • Jonathan McAfee

  • Josh Bleecker

  • Joy Hernandez

  • Lexi Harford

  • Lydia Burris

  • Merle Pace

  • Pamela S Watson

  • ROSEY

  • Sharon Jiskra Brooks

  • Su A Chae

  • Tom Day

  • Vita

  • Kate Oberreich

  • Kyle Ragsdale

  • Kipp Normand

  • Emma Overman

Macy Lethco