PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 9, 2010) - While scientists are divided on whether or not animals feel emotions, painter Jay McClellan is certain they do. A collection of his paintings – “Recent Works” – that features his three dogs will be exhibited at Saint Joseph’s University Gallery Oct. 4-29. An artist’s reception will be held Thursday, Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m. The Gallery will be closed Oct. 18-19 for the University’s Fall Break.

McClellan says that his everyday interactions with his dogs inspire his work. “Tip, Honey and Lucky are three different individuals with their own habits, thoughts and distinct personalities,” he says. “I have an unspoken understanding with my dogs, and I [also] see in them a big reflection of myself.”

“The sheer immensity of McClellan's paintings make his dogs come to life,” says Jeanne Bracy, SJU Gallery coordinator. “The eye-catching backgrounds express the vibrant personalities of these seemingly unremarkable dogs.”

The canvases prominently feature the dogs and their luminous, steady gazes in domestic spaces. “It is truly color and pattern that drive the work,” McClellan says, “ but the dogs’ personalities influence everything [in the paintings] from composition to color choices.”

A graphic artist originally from Little Rock, Ark., McClellan moved to Philadelphia to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he earned his M.F.A. in drawing/painting. He currently teaches at area art centers.

The Saint Joseph's University Gallery is located in Boland Hall on Lapsley Lane, off of City Avenue, between 54th Street & Cardinal Avenue in Lower Merion. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, call 610-660-1840, or visit http://www.sju.edu/gallery.