Cathy Flynn had an offering of a pet portrait for silent auction bidding last year at The 85th Annual Gala Fundraiser for Charlotte Concerts, an organization I support benefiting public school children with musical instruments, lessons and tickets to world renowned events. Cathy supports this, too, with a free gift of her time and talent each year. I fell in love with the picture she had on display at the event. I kept returning to the silent auction bidding sheet over and over to be sure that I won the bid. I was so excited to discover at the end of the evening that she would be painting a portrait of our dog, Maeve. She is our three-year-old Yorkie and has the most incredible personality. She just makes you love her. Cathy and I began the consultation to capture Maeve. I sent photographs and she felt certain she could do a fantastic job. I wanted to give the portrait to my daughter for Christmas. She was finished with it well before then and it was hard to keep it a secret. She had truly captured the glint and wink of Maeve’s right eye, her regal and spirited disposition. Cathy is an incredible artist. Anna was so excited to open the portrait on Christmas. It is displayed proudly in our den for all to see. I asked Cathy to make notecards for us, copying Maeve’s portrait, to use as family stationary. That is a new cottage industry idea for her, for sure! I know all of her clients will want them, too!