During the cold winter holiday months, heartwarming tales abound. The latest group exhibition at Altered Esthetics, "Animal Art III," is no exception, though it will thankfully avoid stepping into areas too saccharine. For the show, artists were invited to explore the world of pets—specifically, animals that have been abandoned, mistreated, or neglected. Is that tugging on your heartstrings yet? Fortunately, most of the work in the show has a happy ending, as the exhibition hopes to promote humane adoption and organizations that work for animal safety. The opening reception is from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, December 2. There will also be an artists' discussion panel 3 p.m. Saturday, December 17. (Mary Bergherr, DogNature)
Dec. 1-17, 2011