Murals for Mutts Artist Anna Hamilton to Paint 100th Pet for Charity

On Saturday, Dec. 3, Anna Hamilton will paint the 100^th pet on the St. Pete Pet Project mural in St. Petersburg.  The mural, one of many by Anna Hamilton, Creative Director of Murals for Mutts Inc., has garnered local and national attention by being graced with the portraits of some famous pets over the past year, i.e., Qunicy, Missy, Lotus and Boomer.  

While some of the stories behind these portraits have been tragic, others have simply been for the sake of art, beauty, charity and the love of one’s pet.  

Since Anna started painting, the wall has transformed into a colorful mural and loving tribute to the lives of almost 100 animals. 

Eleven of those animals are the pets of Brenda Bowen. Brenda first heard about Murals for Mutts while reading the St. Pete Times on Wed. May 4th of this year. News about the St. Pete Pet Project mural was on the cover of the Neighborhood Times section. She made a beeline to the computer to sign up.  

Brenda explains, “I wish I had the words to express what it means to me to have so many of my pets on there - both living and those on Rainbow Bridge. It gives me joy and happiness and fulfillment. I just LOVE it. And seeing all the other pets is also heartwarming and heart-wrenching. I can't remember when I've ever been so excited and PASSIONATE about something as I am about that 'Wall' and Anna's work. My pets are my life.”  

As one of Murals for Mutt’s biggest supporters, when Brenda learned that Anna was looking for the 100^th pet to paint on the mural, she knew she wanted her newest dog, Big Mac, to be it. 

Big Mac was found in Sarasota on 11-1-11 eating garbage out of dumpsters, hence his name.  Being the animal lover that she is, Brenda took him in to help find him a good home.  Soon after she took him in, it was clear that this 1 year old beautiful Golden Retriever was home to stay.  And now he will have his place on the mural with the rest of his past and present doggie family.

The St. Pete Pet Project mural is located on the side of the Gas Plant Antique Arcade at 1246 Central Ave., across from Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill.   

Murals for Mutts Inc. raises money for animal welfare by painting pet portraits and pet murals in communities around the country. The mural benefits Friends of Strays and Pet Pal Animal Shelter.  

Friends of Strays is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer organization dedicated to the care and adoption of homeless pets.

Pet Pal’s mission is to rescue dogs and cats from animal shelters that may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations, illness, injuries, or lack of socialization and training. 

For more information or to have your pet painted on the mural please visit www.muralsformutts.com or send an email to muralsformutts@gmail.com.