ART HELPING ANIMALS

The current version of the Art Helping Animals website was launched by Stella Violano, artist extraordinaire, painter of homeless animals, in February of this year. She has coordinated a band of artists into a true "Fellowship" that has raised over $6000.00 for animal charities in this short time.
The inspirational leadership of this group comes directly from Stella's boundless energy to get things done. I have found my artistic spirit spilling over with new ideas as I try to follow her example and work ethic.

To belong to a group (for lack of a better word) that covers the country, and has an artist colleague also in Europe, with diverse style and approach to their individual art, has been a wonderful collaborative experience.
Where there is cooperation and sharing, generous promotional efforts, encouragement and support you find wonderful results in work and charity.

It is amazing to be an artist who brings a creative idea to life but this effort is made really special to have an end that results, in the best case scenario, contributing to help healing and even saving lives.

For some, "art" is a luxury or maybe something frivolous, certainly not a neccessity of life. But for the one who has an appreciation of "art" it is vital and adds to life immeasurably. For an artist to be able to creatively express these ideas that bubble up, spark from within, waft through the mind or arrive in dreams art is essential.

For me, personally, I spent many years pushing these ideas, as they would occur to me, back into a holding pattern. I was of the belief that if and when the happenenings of life would settle down or find a time that was "right" I might yet devote myself to painting.

When a unique challenge presented itself to me (in the form of a mural) I found my art again and all the barriers as to why and what and how of painting were blown away.
I reopened my studio, started to paint and haven't looked back. I paint full time and let the work lead me to the next idea and the next and the next.

In meeting Stella and joining this fellowship of creating for the help and love of homeless animals it has added the next dimension to the work.
It is wonderful to express yourself and create art....but to have the work inspire people to open their hearts and help an animal in need takes it to a whole new level of satisfaction.

There are many wonderful artists doing this, they are not all juried members of Art Helping Animals but they are doing good work with a similar spirit.

The true heroes are the workers and supporters who volunteer their time to help rescue some really desperate animals who need a chance at life and then a loving home.

Take a moment to visit http://www.arthelpinganimals.com read about each charity we support and also the website of Stella Violano http://smvstudio.com/ become INSPIRED. It is time well spent online!

This painting is of a homeless, shelter dog named Daisy...she is awaiting adoption through the Malibu Pet Companions rescue. copyright 2006 Carol Chretien.

"The Dal Pals"
Almost 8 yrs ago we brought our Dalmatian Lizzie home, she was 8 weeks old. Soon after, we got our first computer and got online.
My next stop was to find links related to Dalmatians and I found the AOL Dalmatian Message Board. This was a true find! I met some of the nicest people who just happen to own Dalmatians, of course, from all over the country. AND our world traveler "Barb" who can be found almost anywhere .
Today we still keep in touch and call ourselves the "DalPals."

There are so many benefits to the internet and the greatest has been the ability to "meet" and make friends of common interests from all over the world. Giving support to each other when health issues sometimes arise with our Dals, but also to share good news, accomplishments, funny stories and just general life news.

The DalPals also have "honorary" members who may not actually be owned by a Dal.
Our "Pal" Eileen is an "Elkie-mom" but she is a welcome member of our little troup. It is wonderful when you can share canine info and get links to resources across breeds.
Many of us have been lucky to meet in person at gatherings around the county. Being coast to coast it isn't always easy to do but some great times have been arranged! Betsy was "party central" for a while...she even has gotten some "cyber parties" going from time to time!

The DalPals are very generous people in heart and soul (Kathy is our multi-species rescuer!.) They have supported canine rescue and helping Dalmatians and others from across the country when a special needs issue has come to our attention.
Arranging transport, providing funds, connecting people together, even adopting a homeless Dal in need if they could. (Jeannie is a hands-on rescuer/helper, who is there when the chips are down and has comforted many a canine soul in their most dire moments.)
We are lucky to have a diverse group and the knowledge of responsible Dalmatian breeders who show their dogs in conformation and agility. (Amy and Suzi cover both coasts!)
And the photos! oh we have some wonderful photos of puppies and the member's Dals through the years.
I am so fortunate to know this merry band of Dalmatian Pals ...if you are an AOL member, access the board and say HI!
I know I will miss names here but we have Nini, Andrea, Monica, Viv, Annette, Jay, Sulai, Chris, Sonya, Lori, Debbie...and those already mentioned in the post.

Dalmatians are exhuberantly entertaining and real velcro people dogs but require knowledgeable guardians for life. Always research and speak with Dalmatian people BEFORE you obtain that "cute puppy"...believe me there is nothing more adorable than a litter of 6-8 week old spotted pups. VERY IRRESISTABLE! But do the homework and learn about the breed.
This will avoid the need to find a foster or rescue home for the older puppy who the uninformed owner hasn't the time or attention for.
Save a life and research any breed before buying or adopting! The RESPONSIBLE breeder will never sell one of their puppies to an uninformed or unprepared new owner. A PET SHOP will.
A RESCUE will help educate you if you plan to adopt and save a life.
Choose wisely!

The photo of Lizzie at 6 months with her "snackie cube" shows her in action with her favorite sport...FOOD!

The painting "Those Puppy Eyes" was sold to assist Dalmatian rescue www.savethedals.org Lizzie was the model for this painting!

All Pictures Posted to this Blog are COPYRIGHTED and protected by law. They may not be reproduced in any manner without my written consent.

Welcome to this SPOT for a view of my art. This is the first of my blogs. My paintings are inspired by a little spotted wonder named Lizzie. Lizzie is one of the luckiest, happiest Dalmatians I have ever had the pleasure to love. She is the model and muse to many of my pieces of work. She inspires me to help other animals not as fortunate as she. Visit my website http://carolchretien.com or http://www.arthelpinganimals.com for more info of how art helps animals.