Reading, PA—Freelance illustrator, Matthew Major, has faced many difficult challenges in his young life due to autism. While their work provides an escape for many artists, for Matt, it is a means of expression that allows him to manage his diagnosis.
On his website, Matt writes, “Art is a creative outlet for my autism. I am able to express myself through my art much better than having to explain them. Art also helps me how to socialize with other people. Mostly it’s way for me to escape into my creative worlds, which helps me cope with my autism.”
Matt is a 2014 graduate of Lancaster’s Pennsylvania College of Art & Design with a Bachelor’s Degree in mixed media art. Shortly after, Matt became involved in the custom pet portrait business when his friend’s pet passed away.
“I wanted to do something for her to ease the loss of her beloved dog,” Matt says. “So I painted a portrait of her dog, Lucy, and that was the start of Major Art: Pet Portraits.”
Since then, Matt has created several custom pet portraits and continues to support animal welfare through his art. His acrylic painting, “New Puppy,” was donated to Humane Pennsylvania’s 2017 Art for Arf’s Sake Art Auction.
Matt expresses, “I enjoy participating in the Humane Society of Berks County’s charity art events, continue to be inspired by the antics of my own two dogs and hope that in some small way my support helps pets and other critters in need.”
Matt’s art will be on display during Humane Pennsylvania’s Furry Friday Walk Kick-Off Party on August 25, from 4-7 PM, located at The Humane Society of Berks County. Furry Fridays are hosted throughout the year to bring together people with passions for art and animals alike and to show appreciation for regional artists who have promoted the organization with their work. All artwork by Matt Major is available for purchase.
During the event, guests are invited to register for Humane Pennsylvania’s 40th annual Walk for the Animals & Walktoberfest, the oldest and largest animal welfare event in the region that attracts thousands of participants annually to help raise funds and awareness for homeless animals of Berks and Lancaster Counties, scheduled for Saturday, September 23 at Jim Dietrich Park. Festivities include a one-mile walk, live music, food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities. Registration for the Walk is $22 for adults, $12 for kids, and $50 for VIPs. VIP participants receive exclusive access to a picnic buffet and beer garden. Walktoberfest is free and open to the public.
Show your support for art and animals with your presence at the Furry Friday Walk Kick-Off Party! The Humane Society of Berks County is located at 1801 N. 11th Street in Reading. For more information, visit www.humanepa.org or contact Lauren Henderson, Events & Donor Relations Manager, at 610-750-6100 x211.
You Might Also Like
Game day with the Reading Royals 12-5-16
Kutztown Folk Festival 6-3-22
Pearl Haines – Reading’s Dancing Star
