Shining a Light on Shelter Animals: My First Exhibition at Letting in the Light 2025
As a new artist, I'm always seeking opportunities to share my work with the world—and one of the best ways is by submitting my art to exhibitions. While researching, I came across the Letting in the Light Exhibition 2025. The theme immediately resonated with me, and I was thrilled to see it was open exclusively to women artists.
Out of 155 artists who submitted 338 pieces, only 52 artists and 55 works were selected. I’m incredibly honored to be among the chosen artists and to showcase my work alongside so many talented individuals.
This marks my first exhibition since graduating from college—and my debut show in the United States. It’s a special milestone for me, and I’m so excited to share the piece that was accepted into the show.
Women in Art - Letting in the Light Exhibition
Curated by Katherine Baronet | Presented by Art on Main | Powered by the City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture
This exhibition provides a platform for women artists to share their visual voices. Through their work—spanning painting, photography, sculpture, and ceramics—artists explore themes of self-nurturing, illumination, and inner light, whether drawn from life experiences, dreams, or imaginative realms.
The artists in this exhibition reflect on stories of radiance—whether personal journeys, healing energy, or dreamlike brilliance. This show is about letting light in, both literally and metaphorically.
—Katherine Baronet, Curator
Artist Statement
As an artist, I’ve explored various themes and mediums over the years, but I struggled for a long time to find my true voice. Last year, everything changed when I discovered the Dallas Animal Shelter and began volunteering there. Witnessing the lives of shelter animals up close touched me deeply. I often found myself wondering: beyond capturing better photos for their profiles and offering treats through their crates, what more could I do for them?
This question led me to start creating pet portraits—focusing on the dogs at the shelter. Through my art, I hope to help them gain visibility and, hopefully, find forever homes. By showcasing their unique personalities, I aim to give these animals a voice and share their stories with the world. I use vibrant gouache for its lively colors and textures to capture their spirit and individuality.
Oliver A1236099
My inspiration for this piece comes directly from my experience at the Dallas Animal Shelter. I noticed that large and older dogs often have a harder time finding homes compared to puppies, who are typically adopted quickly.
The good news is that Oliver, the dog featured in this portrait, has since found a foster home—a positive and hopeful step forward. His story continues to motivate me to advocate for shelter animals in any way I can. Through creating portraits like this, I hope to bring more attention to these deserving animals and encourage more people to consider adoption.
Exhibition Details
Art on Main: 4428 Main Street, Suite 200 Dallas, Texas 75226 (MAP)
On View: May 13–31, 2025
Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM (or by appointment)
Artist Reception: Saturday, May 17, 5:30–8:30 PM (Best in Show will be presented)
Refreshments and libations will be served. DJ MISO will curate the evening’s music.
Closing Reception: Saturday, May 31, 5:30–8:30 PM
Join us in celebrating the creativity and resilience of women in art!
Participating artists:
Alejandra Ochoa, Alex Winnubst, Alicia Chapman, Alison Ledbetter, Amanda (Frucci) Lenox (Valentine), Amy Davies, Anastasia Prymachenko, Andrea Bain, Angela Pitts, Angeline Collier, Ann Dixon, Auburn Adams, Livia, Azabache Patlache, Beth Stockdell, Bree Dauphinee, Brenda Anderson, Brenda Robson, Celeste Grace, Cindy Ingram, Dawn Howell, Deb Kreimborg, Dot Brandt, Emily Lamberty, Giselle Castro-Brightenburg, Hemlata Tahilramani, Julie Tijerina, Julie Valdez, Karen Shields, Kat Warwick, Laura Chapuis, Lori Whitaker, Luna Wallace, Margaret Rehwinkel, Mary Grace Eubank, Mary T Barton, Meredith Sevin, Morgan Pierson, Nadine Romain, Nietta Reynolds, Paula Mitchell, Payal Moitra, Rachel Larlee, Raquel Cordon, Robyn Jorde, Sarah Mankin, Sarah Bales Losey, Sharon Zigrossi, Susan Kandell, Susan Williams, Valerie Boyd, Valery Guignon, Viktoriia Malysheva, and YiFang Tsai.
