Ruff Stuff at ArtWalk

Snyder brings canine creations to Boone gallery

Adrienne Snyder, originator of Ruff Stuff, creates paintings of the area’s tail-wagging, furry friends, and ArtWalk is offering folks the opportunity to peruse her work of photography, paintings, magnets and other designs.

Originally from Spruce Pine, Snyder and her husband relocated to Boone while she attended Appalachian State University. Receiving her degree in interior design with a minor in art, they recently returned to Spruce Pine. As far as past jobs go, she worked for DT’s Blue Ridge Java Shop and Café in Spruce Pine for five years. Recently, she has done some work in residential interior design; however, she said she feels blessed to be able to call photography her full time career as of yet.

She is currently shooting portraits, parties, custom Christmas cards, invitations and logo designs. Snyder said she is a firm believer that if you have a real passion for something, you should go for it with all that you have. Snyder has found that her enthusiasm has given her the opportunity to create artwork as a living.

Snyder began focusing on painting and photography about two years ago. Much of her inspiration is found from her husband, she said, as his patience and constant support encourages her to be creative when designing new pieces. Snyder is humored by the fact that her husband can tell when she is working by what music she is listening to – namely Jack Johnson.

Ruff Stuff is a collection of paintings inspired by her dogs, Callie and Bessy, as well as the dogs at the Watauga Humane Society. She is fascinated by dogs’ unconditional love that they are always willing to give. Usually working on one piece at a time, it takes her about two weeks to complete a small painting. Because of her intense focus on each individual work, Snyder’s collection of delightful paintings captures each dog’s personality and spark. Acrylic paints have become her primary medium due to the fact that they are accessible and versatile. She enjoys trying different techniques and adding various gel mediums to the paint.

Snyder’s photography is usually inspired by the beautiful mountains that she is surrounded by. She was originally drawn to photography simply because of the idea of capturing a moment – the fact that has led her to focus on capturing them ever since. She is inspired by her faith, seeing the good in everything. Both her landscapes and portraits portray that optimism.

Adrienne Snyder’s work is located on Artwalk’s mezzanine. With three and a half floors and more than 300 local, regional and national artists, ArtWalk is located at 611 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) Boone, N.C. 28607. Though ArtWalk is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m, customers may shop all the time at the gallery’s new online store. ArtWalk continually welcomes new artists of all media and ages to inquire about individual gallery booths for rent. For more information, call (828) 264-9998, email artwalkboone@yahoo.com or visit www.artwalkboone.com.