Life has changed for Sheri McSweeney since she joined the Cedars Fine Art Studios. When she became a part of the program run by Cedars, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities, about four years ago, a whole new artistic world opened up for her. The program gave her opportunities to learn new techniques and exhibit her work, as well as help her develop as an artist.
The Novato resident, who channels her lifetime love of animals into her art, will be among the artists featured in Cedars’ “It’s Raining Cats & Dogs” exhibit, in collaboration with Marin Humane, at Artist Within in San Anselmo and online.
The exhibit, which features artwork inspired by dogs and cats that live with Marin Humane’s staff and volunteers, including pets adopted through the organization, kicks off with an opening event from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at the gallery and runs through Nov. 26.
McSweeney is also a writer — she has written and illustrated memories of her grandmother, who was also an artist — and bookmaker, and balances working on her artistic pursuits with her job at Lucky Supermarket.
Q When did you first start doing art?
A I started doing art in a different program, and then when I heard about this place, I came in and went, wow. I loved it. I love to paint, I learned to draw and I have done a lot of art. I’ve done some commissions for some people which were fun to do. I did a kitty for someone and another commission at a beach with a dog. It’s really fun and the teachers are fantastic. I am learning lots of new things. I love to learn.
Q Have you always been interested in animals?
A Yes. When I was a little girl, I was raised around all kinds of animals and that’s primarily why I love animals. They bring us joy. They bring us love. They bring us comfort. They are there for us. I have a kitty of my own, Emmie. I ride horses on Thursdays. You can talk to animals like you do humans. Animals are our friends.
Q Which are your favorite animals to showcase?
A I started doing a lion in class that I like and I love wolves; they are beautiful animals to draw.
Q Where do you find inspiration?
A I try to use my imagination.
Q How do you feel about the upcoming exhibit?
A It makes me proud. It’s exciting. I like what I do and it’s fun.
Q Your grandmother was an artist. How has she inspired you?
A She was. She was a beautiful artist. She was an oil painter. I want to learn that. She, too, did animals. She did lions, tigers and bears, but her favorites were flowers. She went to school for a long time but when she was in her 20s, she started painting, doing her own type of art.
Q What do you love about doing art?
A It’s relaxing.
Q What do you want people to know about animals?
A Animals are there for us and they are important.
Q Tell me about your cat.
A I found Emmie back at Marin Humane in Novato, years ago. I was going in just to look at cats, maybe find a cat, and I got her. She’s a different kind of kitty, she is more needy, and I really loved her. She’s brings joy to me all the time.
Q Have you drawn her?
A I have, yes, and we put it in a gallery showing in Marin.
Q What do you want to do in the future?
A I want to learn more art, do more and create more.
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September 05, 2021 at 02:01AM
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Love of animals inspires Novato artist - Marin Independent Journal
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