It was through Twitter that I recently came into contact with Stella Violano, a lifelong resident of Newbury Park. Stella is a professional artist who has a distinct passion for painting animals. In fact, she has dedicated thousands of hour of time to an organization she founded called Art Helping Animals (www.arthelpinganimals.com). AHA raises funds for non-profits that help animals in need.

Take a look at this amazing montage of some of the over 200 paintings of homeless animals that Violano painted between 2000 and 2006. All of the animals shown found loving homes.

And I love this touching video of Brigette, a homeless senior dachshund who found a home through Old Dog Haven, a charity supported by AHA. Violano's work transforming the aging pooch into Queen Elizabeth is magical.

Given the Conejo Valley is named after a rabbit, I asked her if she had any bunny art to share with us. Oh she certainly does! I selected 3 of the 6 pieces she sent my way. If you like these, let me know and maybe I'll post more at a later date!