At J.E.J. Moore Middle School, art is going beyond the classroom walls thanks to a project that allowed students to practice their artistic skills while also discovering how their work can brighten the lives of pets and future families in the community.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr

Throughout early September, Moore Middle School art teacher Ms. Makenzie Onizuk and her Program for Artistically Advanced Services (PAAS) students drew portraits of dogs and cats available for adoption at the Prince George County Animal Shelter. The hand-drawn pieces would serve as special gifts for the pet's new owner, as they'll be able to take the portraits with them upon adoption. After seeing a social media post, Ms. Onizuk was inspired to bring a similar experience that melds the arts and community service to her students at Moore.

"I am an animal lover to my core and am very passionate about helping animals," Ms. Onizuk shared. "About two years ago, I saw an Instagram post of a kindergarten class drawing shelter animals to help get them adopted. It was the cutest thing ever, and I knew I wanted to do it with my PAAS students as well." 

The project began with Ms. Onizuk's students looking up the shelter's cats and dogs on Petfinder, learning their names and personalities. They would opt to draw furry friends that had been at the shelter the longest or were seniors. 

"Some of the dogs have been there for almost two years, so we really wanted to bring attention to them and showcase some sweet dogs and cats who may have been overlooked," Ms. Onizuk explained. "I knew I did not want them to draw any kittens or puppies because they get adopted so easily, while older dogs and cats tend to be overlooked."

When she dropped off the finished student art pieces earlier this month, Ms. Onizuk made sure to take photos of each pet alongside their art for the students to see in class, which held special meaning for her personally as a pet lover and a teacher. 

"I was personally very emotional and thrilled with how well they all turned out and how grateful everyone at the shelter was for bringing attention to some animals they have known and loved for years," Ms. Onizuk recounted. "I loved seeing the portraits with the dogs and hearing the staff recognize them from seeing their portraits."

Ms. Onizuk continued, "One of the dogs we drew actually got adopted, and the student who drew their portrait got to see videos of him running around in his new home. She came to me the next day, grinning ear to ear, excited to tell me all about the new life her dog is living."

When examining an assignment like this, it extends beyond the gradebook - it offers a meaningful way for students to engage with their community and make a positive impact. Ms. Onizuk is hopeful that this project, undertaken by her PAAS students, will be a spark that encourages families to visit the shelter and discover a four-legged family member for their home.

^{Artwork created by J.E.J. Moore Middle School art students in Ms. Mackenzie Onizuk’s class will go home with each pet upon adoption, giving their new families a unique memento of their new furry friend. (PGCPS photo)}

"I love being an advocate for the arts and my students as well, and I also love getting to be an advocate for animals in the community," Ms. Onizuk shared. "It's also great to get my students involved in community service and showing them different ways they can use their talents and the arts to help others."

Reflecting on the project, Ms. Onizuk has one thing she wants the Moore and the collective Prince George communities to take away from this unique artistic endeavor - the importance of adoption.

"Adopt, don't shop,” she closed. “There are so many loving animals waiting to find homes at the shelter. If you are looking for a new furry friend, consider visiting the Prince George animal shelter. They do amazing work helping animals find new homes. Senior animals need homes too, and they can be some of the sweetest angels just looking for a loving home. Adopt one of our featured animals and take home their portrait, created by J.E.J. Moore art students!" 

View more photos from their art project on the division's Flickr channel at https://www.flickr.com/photos/pgcps/.