Schaefer Portrait Challenge IV (2012)
Kathy Carroll, Lana'i Animal Rescue Center
This portrait of Kathy Carroll (Mike Carroll's wife) at the Lana'i Animal Rescue Center was one of 59 works unveiled at the Artists' Reception on January 8, 2012. The exhibit then traveled to the First Hawaiian Center in Honolulu from May 23-September 14, 2012.
"Kathy Carroll, Lana'i Animal Rescue Center"
In the 32 years Kathy and I have been married, I’ve often witnessed her boundless compassion toward homeless animals. After saving an injured orphaned kitten seven years ago, Kathy created a successful spay/neuter program on Lana`i to decrease the numbers of strays and lessen animal suffering.
Kat’s vision grew. She became the guiding force behind the Lana`i Animal Rescue Center, rallying kind-hearted folks to join the cause. Years later, and with dogged determination, the dream of a fenced, park-like sanctuary where spayed/neutered cats live in a loving setting came true. Because Lana`i never had a shelter before, an outdoor, cage-less, no-kill sanctuary was particularly novel.
Just as Kat’s volunteer work with animals is a labor of love, so is this portrait. As I contemplated the composition, I wanted to portray Kat surrounded by some of the 260 sanctuary "residents". I hope the viewer feels the joy and pride I have in painting Kat in the environment that she so lovingly strove to create.