As some of you know, I work for Erickson Living as a graphic designer for the Erickson Tribune. Every once in awhile we have contests and ask our readers to participate by sending in a comic or a poem. As a member of the Tribune team, I get the opportunity to be a judge and vote on my favorite entries. The last contest we did for the October issue was “Funniest pet photos,” and the winner happens to be an artist! You’re probably thinking, “How can an animal be considered an artist.” As an art blogger, I just had to do a little spotlight on this very talented pooch.

Sophie is a 10-year-old Cairn Terrier. Her paintings resemble abstract expressionist art. She paints using non-toxic acrylic paint and with brushes modified with handles to make them easier to grip.

When I saw this picture for the first time it just melted my heart. What a cute dog!

Sophie is a talented dog who not only paints, but also loves to entertain audiences with her repertoire of tricks. She performs in local libraries, area nursing homes, Mt. Vernon Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Fisher House at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and military bases.  She has stolen the hearts of her loving “parents,” and her comic antics have touched the lives of many others as well.

Congratulations to Sophie and her owner Jacquelyn Brady for being our Grand Prize winner!

To see the other photo entries and contest runner-up winners, visit http://ericksontribune.com/2009/09/humerous-pet-photo-contest-winners/.