Brandon Gallery art show features animal companions

FALLBROOK – The Brandon Gallery's art show, "A Dog & Pony Show" which opened Aug. 4 at runs through Aug. 25, celebrates the animal companions that are a part of everyone's family. It's all about the dogs, cats, ponies, birds, goats, fish and other creatures that enrich people's lives – those wonderful buddies everyone loves.

"I was overwhelmed and thrilled by the number of entries to this Dog & Pony Show," judge and artist Hajime Ohno said. "At the same time, it pained me to pick only four awards (out of 126 pieces), because the quality of artwork on display is quite excellent, awarded or not. Why do we make art of our fellow creatures on earth? One reason could be that we love their youthful energy and playful spirits, which humans tend to forget we still possess. It's also because we simply cannot help it. Thank you so much for participating in this fun event."

The community is invited to come in and share some love with these "playful spirits" and vote for their favorite; 65 local and regional artists participated in the show. Alvarado Veterinary Hospital sponsored the Best of Show award.

The Brandon Gallery is hosting an open reception, 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The award winners are: Best of Show, "Winter Sunshine," oil by Geeta Pattanaik; First Place, "Beem," oil by Diana Bennett; Second Place, "Look At Me!" pastel by Ruth Kurisu; Third Place, "Miley," Photography by Judith Ewert and People's Choice: To be determined.

Brandon Gallery is located at 105 N. Main Ave. in Fallbrook. For more information, call (760) 723-1330 or email [email protected] or visit http://www.fallbrookbrandongallery.org.