Since 2010, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA) has partnered with Hand in Paw to provide comfort to families in need of stress relief.
To celebrate that partnership, the staff from each nonprofit gathered at the Ronald McDonald House for a special painting session.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with Hand in Paw and the joy they bring our families,” says RMHCA Director Katherine Estes Billmeier. “This piece will be enjoyed for years to come as a fun reminder of the bonds created in our House.”
Artist Thomas Andrew prepared a large diptych (two piece) artwork on which the pets belonging to Ronald McDonald House staff members will make their marks. The painting features a lake scene with trees and mountains. Andrew laid down bright red paint as leaves in the trees and Hand in Paw staff guided each pet (sometimes with the help of some treats!) to leave a paw mark in the “leaves.”
“People love to see their four-legged family members make art. They cherish the piece because it recalls that experience,” Andrew says.
The finished piece will hang in the Ronald McDonald House’s new multi-purpose room, where family programs, including visits from Hand in Paw Therapy Teams, will take place.
“It’s an honor to ‘hold paws’ with an organization as incredible as the Ronald McDonald House,” says Hand in Paw’s Executive Director, Laura Cardwell. “We have great admiration for them and look forward to making memories as we paint.”
Click here for more photos from the painting session.
You can watch a Facebook Live of the session below and our watch featured story on WBRC FOX6 News!
https://www.facebook.com/ThomasAndrewArt/videos/1347449852019430/
