About River Gallery
Rocky River’s River Gallery welcomed visitors this fall to a lively, heartwarming and engaging exhibition. The Animal Art Show ran from Sept. 20 through Nov. 22, featuring a wide variety of animal-inspired artwork that combined creativity and emotional depth. It drew attention not only for its artistic quality but also for the meaningful stories behind each piece.
The owner of the River Gallery, G. Ara Hamamjian, reaches out to artists that he selects and invites them to display their work. He said, “We have six shows a year. We always have a ceramic invitational, which is in February, usually 18 artists. Some artists are repeat artists. We always try to keep a handful of slots open for new artists to show in the gallery.”
Four Artists, Four Perspectives
The show featured the work of Greg Murray, Nicole Bruckman, Sharon Sheinbart, and Annie Becker, four artists whose approaches ranged across multiple media. Each brought a unique perspective, but all shared a focus on animals as sources of inspiration, companionship and storytelling.
Murray is a nationally recognized lifestyle, portrait and commercial animal photographer based in Lakewood, Ohio, where he lives with his wife, two daughters and rescue dog. He is also an author and passionate advocate for rescue animals, especially known for his dedication to pit bull awareness and adoption.
Bruckman is an artist, curator, mother and animal lover from Cleveland, Ohio. She embraced her passion for art at a young age and went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus. Her paintings explore the connection between people and their pets. “[They’re] inspired by my relationship with my own rescued pit bulls, I strive to present each dog as an individual — unique and special. I strive to express their personality by portraying them in playful and slightly fantastic situations,” said Bruckman.
Sheinbart contributed clay works that evoked nostalgia and emotional connection. Inspired by childhood memories and her experiences with pets, Sheinbart’s sculptures highlighted the bond between humans and animals. Each piece, from playful expressions to tender gestures, invited viewers to reflect on the relationships that shaped their own lives. Her use of texture and form brought the animals to life, while the subtle details captured personality and mood, turning the sculptures into almost lifelike companions in miniature form.
Becker works with found materials to create her sculptures. “Through my spare parts sculptures, I combine discarded objects in unexpected ways, letting each material’s patina, imperfections and history guide the process. Every sculpture is one of a kind, with its own personality and story,” she said.
She added, “Finding the right combination of weight, shape, color and character takes patience and a shift in perspective, but when it all comes together, the ordinary becomes extraordinary: no longer junk, but a treasure.” Her approach shows how much thought goes into transforming ordinary materials.
A Gallery for Everyone
River Gallery, located on Old Detroit Road, has long supported local and regional artists, offering a welcoming, accessible space. Admission to the exhibition was free, encouraging families, pet owners and art enthusiasts to visit and explore at their own pace. Visitors enjoyed photography, vibrant paintings, and sculptures.
With nearby Cleveland Metroparks and other scenic areas, the region has a strong connection to animals, both domestic and wild. The Animal Art Show resonated with this appreciation, blending creativity with compassion and highlighting the ways humans and animals influence each other’s lives. Many visitors commented on how the show prompted them to see animals as individuals with personalities and stories, rather than just companions or subjects.
Why Visitors Loved It
The Animal Art Show was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Murray’s photography drew viewers in, Bruckman’s paintings brought smiles, Sheinbart’s sculptures invited reflection, and Becker’s playful recycled figures surprised and delighted. The exhibition encouraged visitors to consider the individuality of animals, the importance of rescue and adoption, and how animals inspire creativity.
From families exploring the gallery together to art lovers seeking inspiration, the show offered something for everyone. It celebrated personality, resilience and imagination through the lens of animal art. For many, it was a reminder of the joy and life lessons that animals bring into human lives.
