Monica Armstrong, founder of Spirit Matters Studio, will create a free “spirit portrait” of a pet, chosen at random on August 10. The winner will be notified by email.  

Spirit Matters Studio is a place for women to enjoy spiritual experiences and creative inspiration in a welcoming, sacred space. Here, Armstrong, artist and spiritual director, has created and exhibited nationally her own paintings. The latest development in her career is the shift away from painting life-size, realistic animals in murals. 

Last year, Armstrong lost her dear companion, Bijou, a standard poodle. In her grief, she created a “spirit portrait” of this special, loving dog. It was healing for her to see this beautiful friend in spirit. Since then, she has had the opportunity to create more spirit portraits for other owners of pets, both those thriving and those that have passed. 

In their short lives, pets shower us with the gift of unconditional love. Armstrong’s mission is to capture and reveal that inner beauty, unique personality and the often heroic nature of these wonderful animals that become like family to us in a spirit portrait. “It is a thrill to take the story of each unique animal and create art that will celebrate this important relationship, helping to keep their spirit alive forever,” says the artist. 

To enter your pet, send your name, email and phone number; the pet’s name; and one sentence about the pet to [email protected]. For more information about the studio, visit SpiritMatterStudio.com. See ad on page 33.