Creating a More Compassionate World Together: Artists with Developmental Disabilities Highlight the Human-Animal Bond

Some of the many beautiful works of art created by Cedars residents.

One of my favorite programs at Marin Humane is called Compassion Corner. Every two weeks, we welcome adults with developmental disabilities to the shelter for special visits with dogs, kittens, guinea pigs, and rabbits. It’s an opportunity for these members of our community—many of whom aren’t able to have pets of their own—to engage with sweet, loving animals. 

Sometimes they’ll hold an animal; other times they’ll simply sit near one. Either way, the effect on these visitors is instantaneous. Faces light up, those who aren’t verbal start to vocalize, and hands previously curled or held tightly reach out to touch a paw or scratch a furry ear. It’s a beautiful testament to the loving spirit that animals call forth in all of us. 

One group that regularly brings guests to Compassion Corner is Cedars, a nonprofit organization that provides day programs and residential services for nearly 200 adults with developmental disabilities. Cedars also runs an art gallery called “The Artist Within” in downtown San Anselmo where the adults they serve create and sell their own artwork, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles like woven placemats and napkins. 

Marin Humane staff and volunteers had grown to know many of Cedars’ residents and day program participants through our Compassion Corner so when Mary Sullivan, the marketing and communications manager for Cedars, contacted us about a possible artistic collaboration two years ago, we were all ears. 

“In 2021, I met a Marin Humane staff member and it sparked an idea: what if we could engage our artists in depicting the animals of Marin Humane and showcase the artwork at our gallery?” recalled Mary. “We could raise funds for both organizations, as well as increase awareness of animal adoption and of the talents of our clients.” 

“So many individuals we serve just love animals,” Mary noted.  “During the pandemic, the San Francisco SPCA zoomed therapy animals to entertain Cedars residents who were highly engaged and enthralled seeing them. I contacted Marin Humane with my idea and our unique collaboration took off!” 

The first year’s theme was “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs.” Almost 50 Cedars artists created 83 pieces of artwork based on photographs of the pets of Marin Humane staff and volunteers. Their artwork was displayed at the Cedars’ gallery in San Anselmo, with an opening reception celebrating the artists and the powerful bond between people and animals. Guardians of the featured pets got first dibs on purchasing the artwork of their own animals, after which sales were opened to the public. 

Marin Humane Digital Marketing Specialist Carina DeVera remembers that first year well.  “I loved being a part of this wonderful project!” she said. “After submitting photos of some of my pets, it was so lovely to see them depicted through the artist's eyes. My dog, Penny, had passed away in the meantime, so the painting of her felt like a precious gift.”  

The second year, people who recently adopted pets from Marin Humane were also invited to participate and the collaboration was once again a huge success. That year’s theme was “Pet Parade,” with 60 artists creating 114 pieces of artwork for the show.  

This ongoing project has proved just as meaningful for the artists as for those whose pets are featured. Cedars’ artist Sheri McSweeney, who has contributed to the Marin Humane art exhibit both years, says, “I like to paint animals because it's joyful and makes me feel good. Painting them makes me feel so close to the animal in the photo. I just  love  animals - dogs, cats, guinea pigs, horses, really just all animals!"  

Animal art can connect us to the natural world, while helping us find common ground with others who share our love and admiration for these amazing creatures. Marin Humane looks forward to many more years of this inspiring collaboration with Cedars’ residents and day program participants. By embracing our shared love for animals and our creativity, we hope we can forge a more compassionate and connected world together.