An exhibit of the artwork of Pat Morris will be on display for the month of January at the Stafford Public Library . Morris is a wildlife artist who specializes in pet portraits of horses , dogs and cats , and is a resident of Stafford Springs .

Describing her art as an invitation into her world and experiences , as well as a tribute to the domestic animals that travel with us , the self-taught artist’s depiction of animals has patrons and staff at the library in awe .

“ It’s beautiful , ” said Program Coordinator Debbie Galotto . “ Every time I walk by the display case , they just come out at me . I’m amazed at the talent every time I walk by . ”

Staff member Nancy Philips added , “ It’s just wonderful . ”

Galotto said the library has been open for seven and a half yearsnow , and residents of town are routinely invited to display their artwork or collections in the library’s display cases . This is the second time that art by Morris has been on display at the library , and patrons have enjoyed her work immensely both times .

Morris began her art career in the 1970 s and focused mainly on pet portraiture . “ By 1980 , I was also painting wildlife , in particular the wolves that I had come to know in my association with a wolf ambassador program here in Connecticut . I have continued through the yearsto enjoy the challenge of the depiction of animals , both wild and domestic , in my artwork , ” said Morris on her Web site , www . patmorrisartist . com .

Her work has been exhibited in the last 25 yearsin art shows throughout Connecticut and Pennsylvania and can be found in exhibits at dog shows , veterinarian offices , kennels , Audubon Society centers and libraries throughout the Northeast , as well as in private collections throughout the United States and Canada .

“ Most recently , I have shown in juried art shows in Connecticut at the Glastonbury Audubon Center , Sharon Audubon Center , Piedmont Art Show in Somers , Enfield 4 th of July Town Celebration , Mansfield Festival on the Green and the TVAA Art Show at the King Museum in Suffield , ” she added .

Having her work - which is primarily in pastel and occasionally in pencil , colored pencil or acrylic paint - on display at the library is gratifying for Morris . She explained , “ Having it in public and to get people’s reaction to it is the wonderful part about it . I tend to be in my studio like a hermit , so to get out around people is nice . It boosts my motivation . ”

Her favorite work on display is Winter’s Flight . “ I always wanted to paint that stone wall [ in Vermont . ] I used reference photos to get proportions right for the fox in that picture , ” she said .

The library is located at 10 Levinthal Run , in Stafford Springs . The hours are Monday-Thursday 10 - a . m . - 8 p . m ., Friday and Saturday , 10 a . m . - 5 p . m ., and Sunday , 10 a . m . - 1 p . m . The library will be closed on Jan . 21 .