The Shelter: A Sense of Place Exhibition – Giving Voice to the Voiceless Through Art
Exciting News!
I’m honored to share that three of my artworks have been accepted into “The Shelter: A Sense of Place” exhibition at Art on Main in Dallas!
This exhibit explores the theme of shelter—both physical and emotional—and I couldn’t think of a better way to express that than through the eyes of the animals I’ve met at Dallas Animal Services. These portraits are more than just paintings. They're quiet stories of hope, resilience, and the longing for home.
Artist Statement
“We don’t give them a home—it’s they who give us one.”
Animals and pets support us emotionally far more than we often realize. Through their unconditional love, they transform our houses into homes, filling the rooms—and our hearts—with warmth and meaning. For the animals currently living in shelters, finding a home means more than just safety. It’s a new beginning, a chance to love and be loved. And maybe, in the end, we are the ones who need that love the most.
Through my art, I want to give these animals a voice.
Featured Works
Annie — A1246193
Annie was a quiet presence during my volunteer days at the shelter. Her calm demeanor hid a deeper story, reflected in the faint image of her crate in one eye of this portrait. I painted Annie to honor not only her beauty but the resilience carried by so many shelter animals. Annie has since found a loving home, but this piece is a tribute to her journey and the thousands still waiting to be seen and loved.
When I took a photo of her, she would not look at me or the camera. She was very tiny and looked sad but so quiet in the room. When I started to paint her eyes, I zoomed in on the photo to study the colors and details. That was the moment my heart broke because I saw the fragile reflection in her beautiful eyes. The wonderful thing is that she now has a forever home. God bless her.
Sadie — A1246228
Sadie is one of the many dogs at Dallas Animal Services. During my volunteer visits, I capture photos of the animals for adoption profiles to help them find their forever homes. Sadie’s quiet sadness caught my attention—amidst all the noise and activity, our silent moment said so much. Sadie has a shelter, but what she truly needs is a home where she can give and receive love.
As a volunteer, so far I have helped by taking better photos to update their profiles, giving treats, and taking dogs out on a “Doggie Daycation” so they can take a break from shelter life. It also helps us see how they behave around other people and in different situations. The more notes we have about the pups, the better their chances are of getting adopted.
When I was taking photos at the shelter, I walked past Sadie, and she looked into my eyes without moving. I couldn’t keep walking to the other rooms because of the way she looked at me. I stopped, and we shared a moment in a room filled with barking and the scent of cleaning. She is currently in the shelter, waiting like over 500 other dogs. Here is her link on the Dallas Animal Services website.
I would love to paint her happy face. If anyone adopts her, please contact me—I will paint her portrait just for you as a thank you and to celebrate her new home and family.
Almost Home
This piece is a message of hope. “Hey, you are almost home!” It’s for every animal who has endured hardship and is waiting for their new beginning. You are needed, you are loved, and you are almost home.
I met this pup back in August 2024, when I had just discovered Dallas Animal Services. I was shocked by how many dogs and cats were in the shelter—not only puppies, but also many large dogs.
When I left the U.S. to visit my family in Taiwan for two months, I couldn’t go to the shelter, but I kept thinking: If I can’t be there, what other ways can I help them get more attention? Then a light went on in my head—maybe painting them could give them a voice.
Volunteering has also helped me find my artistic voice and focus more on animal art. I hope they all find homes soon. I want to tell them: Please wait just a little longer—you’re almost home.
Win a Custom Pet Portrait!
To celebrate The Shelter: A Sense of Place exhibition, I’m excited to offer a special giveaway!
During the exhibition (June 12 – July 5, 2025), visit Art on Main, snap a photo of my artwork in the show, tag me in your story or post and follow me on Instagram @yifangstudio. Everyone who participates will be entered for a chance to win a custom pet portrait — painted just for you and shipped with tracking!
It’s my way of saying thank you for supporting shelter animals and sharing their stories through art.
The winner will be announced on July 7 on my Instagram—stay tuned!
Shelter: A Sense of Place Exhibition
Curated by Junanne Peck and Ariel Esquivel
Exhibition Dates: June 12 – July 5, 2025
Art on Main, Dallas: 4428 Main St Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75226
Artist Reception: June 21 (6–9 PM)
Spoken Word / Open Mic: 7–8 PM, centered around the exhibition theme.
Learn more from The Dallas Morning News
