SVASC Animal Shelter Mural - MFA Thesis Project

Overlooked Companions

For my MFA thesis project, I chose to apply the skills I have developed as an artist and graphic designer to create a fundraising campaign for the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center (SVASC). My goal is to raise funds for the organization while also increasing its visibility within the local community. As a key component of the campaign, I am designing and painting a large-scale mural on the shelter’s exterior. This vibrant, original artwork is intended to draw positive attention to the facility and serve as a striking visual for their social media and promotional materials. The mural will resemble the digital prototypes shown below.

In addition to the mural, I created a series of vibrant acrylic paintings that highlight the affectionate and playful nature of the animals at SVASC, as well as those in shelters more broadly. Thirty percent of all profits from the sale of these works will be donated directly to SVASC. The collection was exhibited at Bridgewater College’s Bowman Hall and the Shenandoah Valley Art Center. The time-lapse below captures the creation of one of the featured paintings.

Your contributions will go to the following:

- mural supplies (paint, brushes, cleaning supplies, etc.)

- website maintenance (domain name, hosting, design template)

With your help, we can promote animal rescue while also supporting the arts!

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*UPDATES:

Visit www.overlookedcompanions.com to view photos of the completed mural and explore available paintings for purchase. I’m honored that this project has received both local and national recognition—press coverage and related stories are also available on the site.

Thank you to everyone who supported this project through donations, encouragement, and kind words. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together!