After much anticipation the “For the Love of Animals” program featuring animal portrait Johanne Mangi 
drew a crowd of over 5o people. The evening’s program opened with a special visit from Sue Webb, Director of (SPIN) Stray Pets in Need and the Animal Control Officer for Wellesley, who gave a brief overview of this local program which supports the care and adoption of stray animals. The WSA also collected donations of pet food and blankets for SPIN from many attending the program.
Most portrait artists prefer doing portraits with live models and Johanne was no exception when she requested a live model for the evening’s painting demo. Fortunately the WSA found Maestro a therapy dog and his partner Suzanne Woolston Bossert. Maestro works at the Barbara McGinnis House run by Boston Healthcare for the Homeless where he brings comfort to some very ill patients. It took no time to see that Maestro was indeed a mellow and calming dog, who proved to be the perfect “sitter” for the portrait demo. Johanne quickly observed Maestro, and noted his gorgeous coat color and said if she had only used a photo she probably would not have seen the color richness and variation. She also encouraged the audience many of whom were painters to observe carefully noting the mannerisms that were unique to Maestro. In less than two hours, Johanne had painted a sketch of Maestro which captured his endearing expression. She plans to finish the painting in her studio and will share the finished painting with the WSA when it is completed. Johanne’s intuitive approach to painting was inspiring to some in the audience who were not painters. She believes we can all learn to paint without going to art school, but practice, persistence and finding subject matter you love are a must.
The WSA owes an enormous thanks to Suzanne Woolston Bossert, Maestro’s partner for bringing him to the library and sharing his story about how he became a therapy dog.
The WSA is also grateful to the Wellesley Free Library for providing the venue for the evening’s program and their technical support.