Color, Compassion, and a Lasting Legacy: New Art Wall Exhibit at PMHS

Pope Memorial Humane Society is excited to welcome the newest exhibition to the Art Wall in our shelter lobby. This show features the vibrant, playful work of local artist Joanne Scheaffer, with all proceeds benefiting PMHS’s Molly Fund, a program dedicated to helping senior dogs find their forever families.

Joanne describes her creative process with joy:

“I start with ordinary household shapes and cans of leftover paint. I check in with our senior beagle, Charlie, my trusted creative consultant. I pick a brush, make a dot, a spiral, a squiggle, and go where the party takes me.”

Her pieces, plaques, mirrors, ornaments, and more carry warmth, color, and a sense of play. Each is made with familiar materials and what Joanne calls a “doodler’s spirit,” ensuring no two are ever the same.

But for Joanne, this show is more than art; it’s about honoring a very special dog named Precious.

In the spring of 2023, Joanne and her family opened their hearts and home to Precious, a 20-year-old dog from PMHS, through hospice fostering. Precious quickly became a treasured part of their South Portland neighborhood. Whether she was wagging her tail at neighbors several houses away, gently befriending people who never considered themselves “dog people,” or soaking up sunshine among the daffodils, Precious had a way of spreading joy. She even navigated life respectfully with Pip, the family’s senior blind beagle, showing patience and grace in every interaction.

Precious lived with Joanne’s family for four weeks before it was time to say goodbye. Though their time together was short, her impact was immeasurable.

“She was a magic little dog,” Joanne shared. “I want to dedicate my show to her.”

By donating all proceeds from her Art Wall exhibit to the Molly Fund, Joanne is ensuring that more senior dogs, like Precious, will find comfort, love, and dignity in their golden years.

We invite the community to stop by PMHS, view Joanne’s colorful artwork, and meet our adoptable animals. Artwork is available for purchase during shelter hours, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are an artist interested in exhibiting on the PMHS Art Wall, please email art@popehumane.org.

At Pope Memorial Humane Society, our mission is to ensure the compassionate care, treatment, and placement of companion animals in transition and to enrich the lives of pets and people in our community. Joanne and Precious’s story is a shining example of that mission in action—proof of the joy that comes when art, love, and animals connect.