Local artist called upon by the Pentagon

It's not everyday a northern artist is asked to commission work for the Pentagon.

But one Val Caron artist recently had the opportunity.

Colette Theriault said she receives commissions regularly from her website, but she said she was shocked to receive an e-mail from the director of the Pentagon's K-9 unit.

“I was quite surprised when I received the e-mail,” said the pet and wildlife artist. “I almost didn't believe it — I had to read it a couple of times.”

Theriault had done a commissioned piece for the Sacramento Sheriff K-9 Association before, and believes that's why she was called to work on a piece for the Pentagon.

She began the project last November. After receiving pictures of three working dogs, she developed a design that worked for her contact at the Pentagon.

While the coloured-pencil drawing was meant to look as realistic as possible, Theriault was asked to ensure all three dogs looked their very best.

“Can you reduce her ears and take the grey off her chin?” she recalled being asked. “Of course, he wants his dog to look in her prime.”

About five months later, the piece was completed. It now hangs in the office of the director of the K-9 unit.
Earlier this year, Theriault had the opportunity to see her work at the Pentagon while touring the Arlington, Virginia building.

“I was on cloud nine,” she said.

Because of her involvement, she was given a “private” tour of the facility that went in places the normal tour didn't.
She recently found out her art will also be part of challenge coin collection too. The face of a dog is set to appear on one of the collector's coins.

Theriault said she has loved drawing her entire life, and has always loved animals.

“It was a natural thing to draw or paint,” said the mother of two.

Although she's never taken any formal classes, Theriault said she reads a lot and enjoys researching art techniques. She also uses pastels and graphite, but enjoys pencils most because it reproduces well and allows for fine details.

Over the past few years, Theriault said she had to put drawing “on the back burner” while she studied biology at Laurentian University. Now that her formal education is complete, she said she's happy to be able to draw more.

On Nov. 20 and 21, Theriault will be participating in an art show with fellow artists Janet Kobelka and Mary-Anne Secord. They will have their diverse collection of work on display and will also be doing live demonstrations from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Travelodge Hotel.

For more information about Theriault or to view her work, visit www.colettetheriault.com.