Benevolent Hound
Benevolent Hound is a non-profit organization focused on strengthening the human-animal bond through creativity and self expression.
Our Passion for Puppies
Benevolent Hound was started in 2020 by Jay McClellan, a professional artist who specializes in large-scale, animal portraiture widely recognized by high-profile collectors including Urban Outfitters, Fetch, Chase Utley and the esteemed White Dog Café. Known for his bold colors juxtaposed with graphic patterns, Jay’s works have been exhibited nationally, winning awards like the Mabel Wilson Woodrow Fellowship Award at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and an Honorable Mention at the 45th Annual Delta Exhibition.
Born and raised in Arkansas, Jay went on to receive his BFA from Memphis College of Art and his MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He works primarily in the mediums of drawing and painting out of Jay McClellan Studio in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, and also teaches his craft to students at Darlington Art Center.
Jay believes there’s tremendous power in that bond we all form with our pets, and dedicates his times to capturing the unique essence and unconditional love we find in every dog through his paintings. He’s inspired by his wife Stephanie and the extraordinary love of his three dogs Honey, Lucky and Ava Belle, and his artist-in-training daughter, Sophie.