A Little Dog’ll Do Ya’

If Disney has taught us anything it’s this: People love personified animals. A cat who can talk, an elephant who’s lost his mommy, a dog with a bit of a gambling problem – these are among our favorite artistic subjects, especially when they feature traits specifically human in nature (i.e. flaws). And aside from being pretty frickin’ cute, these animated critters often aim to tell us really interesting bits about ourselves.

So in tribute to the creatures that rock our world, the Coral Springs Museum of Art (2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs) has rassled up four separate exhibitions by four artists, each united by their love for the four-legged. First there’s Cajun artist George Rodrigue, whose series “Blue Dog” is inspired by the folk legend of the loup-garou, a werewolf-like mutt that stalks bayou cemeteries. Ann Beebe’s “A Journey of Love” is a photo essay following her 13-year career raising puppies for Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides support dogs to special needs individuals. Then there’s Sid Kweller and his precocious series “Beware the Green Dog.” The hound in question is a gremlin of sorts that Kweller describes as “a metaphor representing the ever present angst and uncertainties of the searching mind as it pursues perfection in a work of art” – basically, he’s what would happen if Triumph the Insult Comic Dog teamed up with Picasso. Rounding out the group is Sue Hanssen and her watercolor exhibit “On the Subject of Sheep,” an oddball in a group of all dogs, but, well… who doesn’t love a sheep or two? The quartet shows Monday through Saturday each week until May 24; admission is just $5. Call 954-340-5000, or visit www.csmart.org.
April 3-May 24, 2008