Karen Gammon, a Virginia artist whose passion supports orphaned pets, creates charcoal portraits of animal companions, occasionally with their human families.

An ardent supporter of the Richmond SPCA, Karen has raised over $100,000 dollars for homeless dogs and cats through the donation of her art. In 2004, she was the recipient of the humane organization's highest honor, the Ellen Glasgow Award for Humane Service. Her association with the Richmond SPCA has defined her art as well as her personal beliefs about the relationships shared between humans and animals.