Artist: Kate Mollenkopf

Kate loves controlled chaos and her art definitely reflects that system. Mythical, magical, funky or just colorful describe her way of life and approach to art.

"I knew I wanted a very colorful background with a small, detailed central figure. I am a professional baker so I enjoy working with my hands, and painting is no different. The background was done all by finger painting, which was a blast. I have also always loved hot air balloons but I have never been in one. I think art with a little humor is always great, which the astronaut in the balloon brings. I popped a few of my favorite constellations in there, too, very incorrectly placed, but that's the fun of it. Hope you can find them."

Title: Andromeda and the Little Green Mice

Artist: Suzanne Royer

Suzanne is a lifelong lover of nature and science as well as a self-taught artist. Creating Magnificent Beasts for Animal Friends Alliance (and its predecessor, FCCRSNC) has been a rewarding way to express creativity while supporting the animals.

"Given the vastness of interstellar space, we may never know exactly what sort of life might be found on distant worlds. However, it is entertaining to speculate about what could be 'out there.' In this fanciful scenario, space-faring feline Andromeda has made friends with a species of little green mice who occupy a small, rocky asteroid in a faraway galaxy. Although wary at first, the mice were reassured to learn that she's on an exclusive diet of canned Venusian tuna.

A mixed-media creation incorporating wood, papier-mâché, polymer clay, glass, acrylics, and some bits of native Colorado mica."

Artist: Ann Martinez

Ann is an animal lover with two rescue kittens and two puppies. She is an artist and graphic designer.

"When I heard the theme was space, my Trekkie sense kicked in! What better character than Dr. McCoy aka Bones? I hope you enjoy your new 'geeky' art.

'Live long & prosper.' ~ Spock"

Artist: Molly Rodgers

Molly is the Donor Relations Administrator for Animal Friends Alliance and the coordinator for this year's Magnificent Beasts show. This is her third year participating as an artist.

"I was heavily inspired by this year's Gala theme, 'Paws in Space,' which led me to my favorite constellation, Cassiopeia. You'll find the W-shaped constellation highlighted on her chest along with parts of Andromeda below it, Cepheus on her tail, and Polaris, the North Star, shining next to her whiskers. I really enjoyed the challenge of making an astronomically correct, galactic scene. I created Cassi using acrylic paint and a map of the stars."

Artists: Ashley & Jon Boothe

Ashley and Jon are six-time Magnificent Beast artists who have enjoyed using different media and techniques for each piece. Ashley is a self-described "crazy cat lady" and longtime supporter and former employee of Animal Friends Alliance.

"Cat's in the Crib was inspired by fond memories Jon has of playing cribbage with his family. The wooden cat form lent itself perfectly to being made into a cribbage board but this one uniquely doubles as a work of art to be hung on a wall.

Cat's in the Crib is a complete game set with an Air Deck of playing cards, four silver pegs and four black pegs, all of which are stored in the lidded tin box hung delicately from silver chains at the cat's feet.

Made of drilled and burned wood, gel-stained with Unicorn SPiT, coated with polyurethane, and mounted on rubber bumpers."

Artist: Jane Barber

Jane likes creating in a variety of media. For the past 18 months, she has focused on painting abstract works in acrylics. This is her third Magnificent Beast.

"Interstellar is a mosaic calico made up of a variety of glass beads. I love this year's gala theme, so I chose materials and a color scheme that represent the night sky. I also reshaped the head and moved the ear, so the cat appears to be looking at the stars. Designed to be two-sided and hung from a bracket or plant hanger."

**Includes a plant hanger and necessary equipment to mount the piece.**

Artist: Leigh Piontek

Leigh is your average gal who likes to doodle. She aims to make works that are relatable, personal, functional, and with a twist of whimsy.

"One of the most challenging parts of this beastie was deciding what direction to take the design. The result was directly inspired by my Mouse and her loves. A favorite tennis ball and sticks for the clock hands are reminders that it is ALWAYS time to play.

This was one of the most complicated works I've done as there are detachable pieces. The movement mechanism is delicate. To function properly, it must be placed in the "north" position and the dog stabilized on the pegs. I do hope you enjoy it.

Hey, look! It's time to play!"

Artist: Dyana Wyeno

Dyana's art is inspired by the natural world. She is driven to use the abundance of post-consumer materials around her to create art.

"Sir Edward is a self-made cat from a small town. Once a sleek and stealthy hunger, he has retired to become an indoor cat. He has chosen to pursue a study of humans as they are very entertaining. He takes mental notes as he watches over his favorite people. He is patient with them and enjoys listening to their stories. This loyal cat reflects the light that his people shine his way. Catch his eye and you have a friend for life."

Artist: Barb Huff

Barb is a dabbling artist who likes to work in multiple mediums and enjoys making a Magnificent Beast every year. She finds it interesting that the original concept or design is never what she ends up turning in. She lets the creative experience take her where it wants to go. It's not fine art, it's FINALLY art.

"After a tough 2020 and personally being impacted by Covid-19 with the loss of my mom, I wanted to create a piece that makes people smile. I think I captured that in Tinker Belle. She is a mixed-media piece of acrylic paint, craft foam and permanent markers."

Artist: Lorraine Dunn

Lorraine's art can be fun or challenging. Most of all, her art is for joy - for her and hopefully the viewer.

"This little guy wants to go on a walk. This little guy loves his walks. This little guy lives for walks. O.K., and maybe for food. And so does yours."

**Includes leash in second photo.**