Stray Dog Arts

About the project...

Welcome to my gratitude project! As an artist, I love the way both art and dogs bring people together, creating a common ground between those who might otherwise remain strangers.  Incredibly, I'm lucky enough to experience a life that includes both art AND dogs! Once upon a time, I didn't believe it was possible to fully support myself as an artist. But then something happened: Minneapolis proved me wrong!! For the past six years, I've been living my dream and loving what I do. And now? It's time to have a show in celebration of YOU!

I am currently looking for participants to become part of an upcoming exhibition: i luv u, MPLS! This project, the culmination of an ongoing series, reflects a sense of place and is rooted in a celebration of community.  It is my way of saying:

If your dog lives, works or plays in the Minneapolis area and is interested in taking part, please contact me! {jessie (at) straydogarts (dot) com}

The perks...



The details...

In the past 7 years I have done several major solo exhibitions including the Dogs of Bryn Mawr, Dogs of Linden Hills, Dogs of Edina, Animals of AHS, and BULLDOG (just to name a few). i luv u, MPLS! is gearing up to be the biggest exhibition to date!  Each show takes on a tremendous life of its own and something tells me that this one is going to be no exception!

So how does it work?  

I am offering my old prices to anyone who commits to being a part of this exhibition. Due to an increasingly extended wait list, my prices have recently doubled.  However, I want to extend my old pricing to Minneapolis area residents who become a part of this project as my way of saying THANK YOU to the community of dog lovers and art enthusiasts who have helped me to succeed in doing what I love most.  Prices start at $1,800.  This includes a private professional-grade photoshoot with your dog(s), consultations and, of course, an original work of art of YOUR dog(s)! Not to mention, you get to jump the wait list for commissioned portraits! Please contact me for a full price list (mention this project for old pricing). Multiple dog homes are also invited! 

What's the process?

• An approximate 50% nonrefundable deposit is required to get the process started and hold your place in the show. The remaining amount is not due until the portrait is completed.  Check, credit cards and Paypal are all accepted.  Feel more comfortable spreading out the investment over time? Monthly payment plans via credit card are also an option.  Please do not hesitate to ask for more details, if interested!
• I like to do a photoshoot as early in the process as possible.  My photoshoot schedule books out quickly and so let's go ahead and get something planned! :) The photoshoot takes about an hour and is totally casual and fun. We can do this at your home or on location in the Minneapolis area.
• Once we have images to work with, I will share the best options with you and, together, we will decide which image will best translate into a painted portrait.  We will also decide on exact canvas dimensions and details at this time.  I'm happy to give suggestions in terms of sizes (ect), but will also keep your budget, dog(s) and wall space in mind as we find our way to the perfect portrait! :)
• The second half of the project will be dedicated to painting these gorgeous portraits into being! I work in oil on extra deep gallery wrapped canvas.  This gives your painting a clean, contemporary look and so no framing is necessary.
• Last but not least, once the paintings are completed, it will then be time to CELEBRATE!!!!

The best part?

In early summer 2015 (exact dates TBD) we will celebrate an OPENING RECEPTION!  You, YOUR DOG, your friends, family and the public are all invited!  This is the BIG NIGHT when everyone's paintings are unveiled for the first time and, OH(!), what a night it will be!!!!  The energy is ELECTRIC! Live music, hors d'oeuvres, wine, good company--an unforgettable dog-friendly Fine Art experience! Exact date and location is TBD by the size and scope of the exhibition.

Once the show comes down, the original painted portrait (or portraits if you have multiple animals) will be yours to enjoy forever and ever. xo

But wait...that's not all!  Your pet(s) painted portrait(s)will also be included in a Limited Edition coffee table book, signed by the artist.  This book will be a celebration of Minneapolis area dogs, their painted portraits, and the incredible community that I call home.  I can't wait to see this book come into being and be able to share it with YOU! :)





with lots of dog love and appreciation,
Jessie Marianiello






SPONSORED BY:

Bone Adventure & Bone Bone Room

I am super excited to be offering hotsa-potsa, fun new products! You requested and I listened! I will have both "Eskimo Kisses" and "Art for Dogs" Fine Art Poster Prints available for the first time!  These prints will eventually be available online. Until then, you can get them fresh from the press at this summer's art fairs. Supplies will be limited and so get there quick!

"Art for Dogs" :: Fine Art Poster :: 12"x18" :: copyright Jessie Marianiello

"Eskimo Kisses" :: Fine Art Poster :: 12"x18" :: copyright Jessie Marianiello

A great gift for you, your dog-loving friends, AND the dog!

Availability: While supplies last! See art fair information here.

Oh, sweet SUMMER!!  It is here.  It has finally arrived! Winter was long and cold, spring was reluctant...but the Stray Dog Arts studio was filled with an incredible amount of color. For this, I am thankful!


These past several months have been busy with paintings and projects.  There are lots of new and exciting changes on the way in the coming year, but for now let's just take a moment to savor what's happening in the holy NOW! :) 

In the next couple weeks I'll be busily enjoying the Edina Art Fair (this weekend!) and the Stone Arch Bridge Festival (next weekend!). If you're in the Minneapolis area, stop by my booth.  I'll be giving away free dog treats and looking for puppy love. I hope to see you there!

A weekend of art and music! 250 artists, lots of music and, of course, a whole lotta dog friendly art by yours truly!

Looking forward to seeing you this Father's Day weekend.  Stop by my tent and soak up the awesome vibe of the city while you're at it!

You can find me at booth #97 on Main St across from the Wilde Roast Cafe (yum!).

Saturday, June 14th: 10am-7pm
Sunday, June 15th: 10am-5pm