Sisters Library goes to the dogs

Sisters Library is going to the dogs ... dog paintings that is. Big, audacious, colorful dogs.

Sandy Melchiori and Cathy Warner share a passion for painting, dogs in particular. An exhibit of their large-format paintings in oil and acrylic will be displayed throughout May in the library community room.

First inspired by homeless dogs in Mexico, Sandy was moved to capture their kind but tough character in paint. And, with three labs at home, she had a ready supply of models. She also had an admirer in Cathy Warner. Sandy began to unleash Cathy's undeveloped painting skills with painting lessons. Now Cathy says she "can't imagine life without painting!"

Melchiori has been painting for 20-plus years, with a minor in painting from Ball State University, and is co-owner of Response to Nature, a local landscape business. Warner is co-owner of Central Bark and Groomingdales, dog daycare, boarding and grooming in Sisters. Both women make priority time in their schedules as businesswomen and mothers to nurture their passion for painting.

Making contributions to the community is important to both friends. Melchiori works as an art advocate in Sisters schools, and Warner fosters and grooms rescue dogs. Both are generous with art donations to My Own Two Hands and the Humane Society.

Sisters Library is located at 110 N. Cedar St.