Animal Services revamps Fred Wilson shelter with art

The Animal Services Shelter hopes its revamped facility will foster a friendlier and more inviting atmosphere for El Pasoans interested in adopting a pet.

The initiative was made possible through a partnership between local artists, the City of El Paso Department of Animal Services and the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD).

Animal Services hopes a brighter shelter with artwork will increase the number of animals adopted by creating an environment where potential adopters connect with the animals.

“Art has a very – as do animals – a very transformative effect on your life,” said Museums and Cultural Affairs Department Director, Tracey Jerome.

The artwork displayed at the shelter came to life through MCAD’s Community Arts Program.

Perhaps the most prominent piece is a mosaic tile mural titled “A New Day Dawning.” Created by Katie Gelinas and Terry Wright, the piece is featured at the entrance to the shelter’s kennel and outdoor play area. About 50 community members helped paint the tiles that make up the mural.

“Our vision was to not just bring people happiness when they come here,” said artist Katie Gelinas, “but to take away the stigma of this place being kind of hopeless and bring the hope back.”

In addition to the mural, local artist Lizzie Ochoa completed animal portraits and prints that were installed in the main lobby of the Animal Services Shelter.

Jerome encourages people to go find an addition to their family. “We are always looking for ways to showcase the city’s talented artists, and this partnership helped us achieve that goal as well as making the city’s shelter a more welcoming place for people to come and adopt their new family member.”

The Animal Services Shelter is located at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave.