VOCAL does incredible work every day, helping dogs and cats find loving homes and providing low-cost veterinary care to pets throughout our community. Now we're inviting local artists to help ARTIFY their space, turning bare kennel walls into vibrant, animal-themed murals that celebrate the animals who pass through them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Volunteer artists are invited to design and paint an original, animal-themed mural on one of VOCAL's kennel walls, each measuring 55″ tall by 88″ wide. VOCAL has 30 kennels in need of art — this round, we're aiming to complete about 20 of them, with more rounds to follow.
Design your own animal-themed artwork — style and concept are up to you
Each artist is matched to one 55″ x 88″ kennel wall
No previous mural experience necessary — all skill levels welcome
Paint is provided (donated), but artists are welcome to supply their own if preferred
Mural submissions will be juried for approval and inclusion in this project.
WHY IT MATTERS
This project is about more than paint on a wall. Vibrant, welcoming murals help VOCAL's mission in several real ways:
Warmer, more welcoming kennel spaces help potential adopters feel at ease, encouraging them to linger longer and connect with more animals — which means more adoptions.
Colorful, eye-catching art draws additional visitors to the facility who come to see the murals — and often leave having met their new best friend.
A more joyful, uplifting environment brings a boost of positivity ... view more »
VOCAL does incredible work every day, helping dogs and cats find loving homes and providing low-cost veterinary care to pets throughout our community. Now we’re inviting local artists to help ARTIFY their space, turning bare kennel walls into vibrant, animal-themed murals that celebrate the animals who pass through them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Volunteer artists are invited to design and paint an original, animal-themed mural on one of VOCAL’s kennel walls, each measuring 55″ tall by 88″ wide. VOCAL has 30 kennels in need of art — this round, we’re aiming to complete about 20 of them, with more rounds to follow.
Design your own animal-themed artwork — style and concept are up to you
Each artist is matched to one 55″ x 88″ kennel wall
No previous mural experience necessary — all skill levels welcome
Paint is provided (donated), but artists are welcome to supply their own if preferred
Mural submissions will be juried for approval and inclusion in this project.
WHY IT MATTERS
This project is about more than paint on a wall. Vibrant, welcoming murals help VOCAL’s mission in several real ways:
Warmer, more welcoming kennel spaces help potential adopters feel at ease, encouraging them to linger longer and connect with more animals — which means more adoptions.
Colorful, eye-catching art draws additional visitors to the facility who come to see the murals — and often leave having met their new best friend.
A more joyful, uplifting environment brings a boost of positivity to the many employees and volunteers who care for the animals every day, making their work more rewarding and less stressful.
KEY DATES
Oct 11, 2026
Artist submission deadline
November 1, 2026
Notification of jury decision sent to artists via email
Nov 9–14, 2026
Mural painting week at VOCAL’s shelter
Nov 14, 2026
Barks & Brushes — public mural reveal & community event
BARKS & BRUSHES: PUBLIC REVEAL EVENT — NOV 14
Join us as we unveil the finished murals to the public! This free community event is the perfect time to see the new art, meet some of VOCAL’s adoptable animals, and join in the fun.
Paint-by-numbers community wall — attendees can pitch in and help paint a predetermined design
Supply donation drive for VOCAL — bring donations of shelter supplies
Every attendee who donates supplies is entered into a raffle for prizes from community sponsors
People’s Choice Award — visitors vote for their favorite mural, and the winning muralist receives a cash prize
Participating artists will be featured in local media coverage of the event
HOW TO APPLY
Interested artists should complete the online submission form — including a sample of their design concept (sketch, mock-up, or portfolio image) — by October 11, 2026.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/cqL9WLVYCwyxS6fr5
Questions?
Email: info@artifyocala.org
Phone: (352) 299-5673
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