By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
When Jacqueline Colello was looking for a new pet, she was hoping to adopt locally. But she couldn’t help but fall in love with a shelter dog from Tennessee. Now, Colello and Vannah are lending a paw to those waiting for homes in Central New York animal shelters.
Colello, a mixed media artist who lives in Baldwinsville, has set up donation boxes around CNY for people to donate blankets, toys and food. She is accepting donations through Dec. 22.
“It’s actually my dog Vannah’s idea,” Colello told the Messenger.
Known for her vivid pop art paintings of bubblegum-popping queens, celebrities and animals, Colello began painting about eight years ago after she sought treatment for alcoholism. Her work has appeared on the walls of Café at 407 in Liverpool, the Preserve at 405 in Syracuse’s Inner Harbor and the former Canal Walk Café in Baldwinsville. In October, she completed a mural for Precision Auto-Workz in Brewerton.
Vannah, Colello’s canine companion, is named after Vanna White of “Wheel of Fortune” fame.
While Vannah hails from the south, Colello wanted to spread some cheer to animals right here in CNY.
“I really wanted to give back locally,” Colello said of the shelter drive.
Colello has set up donation boxes at the following locations:
- • Kimbrook Manor: Theodolite Drive, Baldwinsville
- • The Delavan Center: 509 W. Fayette St., Syracuse
- • Wildflowers Armory: 217 S. Salina St., Syracuse
- • Floridella Boutique: 114 W. Jefferson St., Syracuse
- • Just the Right Stuff: 103 Twin Oaks Drive, Syracuse
For more information about the shelter drive, contact Jacqueline Colello at [email protected] or 315-715-5103. Check out her art @ColelloCreations on Facebook and Instagram.
