TheBurg

Sprocket Mural Works' 50th mural in Harrisburg celebrates multiple themes—the love between pets and their adopters, and Harrisburg's diversity during Hispanic Heritage Month. In support of the Human Society of the Harrisburg Area, Justin Suarez of Rochester, NY was selected to create the mural. Justin's portfolio is full of wildlife and nature- themed murals depicted in vibrant color. "To me, the way to convey the mission of the Humane Society is to show an adopted pet with its owner, to illustrate that special relationship," said Justin Suarez. "When people see the mural, it's my hope that they're able to perceive the feeling and emotion captured in the image." About 1,000 animal adoptions—including between 350 and 400 dogs—are facilitated through e Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area each year. "e Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area is thrilled to bring awareness to the importance of animal adoptions through this community mural," said Amanda Brunish of the Humane Society. "We assist over 10,000 animals a year through our residential care and adoption program, low-cost veterinary clinics, pet food bank, and counseling services. At any given time, there can be close to 500 animals under our care. Our mission is to build a better community for pets and people through compassion, protection, education, and collaboration." e creation of the mural coincided with Hispanic Heritage Month, and the site happened to be Anastacia's Restaurant & Bar, which specializes in Puerto Rican cuisine. Owner Ricardo Suarez (no relation to Justin), said the mural contributes towards community pride. "As a Latin American business within the community, it is excellent that both the artist and the model celebrates such diversity—especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. As a result, it is rewarding to have such a visual representation of art within the City of Harrisburg," said Ricardo Suarez. Megan Caruso reflects on what Sprocket's 50th mural in Harrisburg means to her. "When we set out to create Sprocket, I couldn't imagine that we'd reach our 50th mural in Harrisburg within seven years. Including Sprocket's murals produced in the City of York, our total number of Central PA murals is now around 75," said Caruso. "It's humbling, because none of it would have been possible without tremendous community support, sponsors, grants, and hundreds of generous donors and volunteers who believed in the vision of uplifting Harrisburg through art." A MILESTONE TO SUPPORT PET ADOPTION, HISPANIC HERITAGE

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