Join us this Saturday, September 20th, from 3pm-6pm for the opening of The Animal Show!
Featuring works by:
Greg Murray, Nicole Bruckman, Annie Becker, and Sharon Sheinbart
Greg Murray
Greg Murray is a nationally recognized lifestyle, portrait, and commercial animal photographer based in Lakewood, Ohio, where he lives with his wife, two daughters, and rescue dog. He’s also an author and passionate rescue animal advocate, especially known for his dedication to pit bull awareness and adoption. In 2018, Greg played a pivotal role in helping overturn his hometown of Lakewood, Ohio’s decade-long ban on pit bull-type dogs.His love for art and animals started at an early age. As a child growing up, Greg lived in a house full of different animals (dogs, cats, lizards, fish, birds and guinea pigs just to name a few) and spent much of his free time taking various types of art classes.Though he now thrives behind the camera, Greg’s journey into photography wasn’t linear. Born in Lakewood, Ohio and raised between there and Albuquerque, New Mexico, he earned a business degree from Loyola University Chicago and spent nearly a decade in corporate offices across Chicago, Atlanta, Akron and Cleveland. His days were filled with spreadsheets, HR tasks, and windowless offices—until the toll on his mental and physical well-being prompted a bold shift.
In 2014, Greg left his corporate life behind and launched his own photography business, combining his lifelong love of animals with his creative vision. Just two years later, he began working on Peanut Butter Dogs, his first book, which was picked up by a national publisher. He’s now the author of multiple books celebrating rescue animals: Pit Bull Heroes, Peanut Butter Puppies and Gotcha Day. Combined, they have sold over 40,000 copies around the world.
Greg’s work champions the beauty, personality, and worth of every animal—especially those labeled “underdogs.” His mission goes beyond photography: it’s about storytelling, compassion, and helping rescue pets get the love and recognition they deserve.
Annie Becker
Through my spare pARTs sculptures, I combine discarded objects in unexpected ways, letting each material’s patina, imperfections, and history guide the process. Every sculpture is one-of-a-kind, with its own personality and story. Finding the right combination of weight, shape, color, and character takes patience and a shift in perspective, but when it all comes together, the ordinary becomes extraordinary: no longer junk, but a treasure.
Nicole Bruckman is an artist, curator, mother, and animal lover from Cleveland, Ohio. Embracing her passion for art at a very young age, Nicole went on to receive her BFA in illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio.
After graduation Nicole began work as a freelance illustrator and designer. Deciding to further pursue her love for painting, Nicole moved to Los Angeles, and began showing her art as well as curating shows at various prominent Los Angeles galleries. It was there that she adopted her first pitbull and became an advocate for the breed. Nicole has recently moved back to North East Ohio where she works as gallery manager at River Gallery and creates whimsical dog portraits.
Compelled by her life’s passions, Nicole’s paintings are inspired by the bond that exists between humans and animals. “Inspired by my relationship with my own rescued pit bulls, I strive to present each dog as an individual, unique and special. I strive to express their personality by portraying them in playful and slightly fantastic situations.”
Nicole Bruckman
Sharon Sheinbart
As a child I wasn’t allowed a dog, so my pet turtle became my dog. We went everywhere together; turtle memories were my initial inspiration for sculpting.
In working with clay, my goal is to capture the emotions and expressions conveyed through their faces; their hopeful, comforting and sometimes pleading eyes. The enormous variety of dog breeds provides an endless supply of inspiration. I truly enjoy sculpting them, as well as bringing happiness to those who enjoy seeing them.
Sharon received a BFA from Cleveland Institute of Art. She has exhibited in juried local and regional shows. Her love of animals and nature lead the way in all of her work.
Featured Artist of the Month
Sharon Sheinbart
I have always been captivated by dogs. They are amazing animals, bringing us comfort, joy, peace, help, safety and companionship. They make the world a better place. The unparalleled connection between human and canine is inspirational— in my art and my life.
As a child I wasn’t allowed a dog, so my pet turtle became my dog. We went everywhere together; turtle memories were my initial inspiration for sculpting.
In working with clay, my goal is to capture the emotions and expressions conveyed through their faces; their hopeful, comforting and sometimes pleading eyes. The enormous variety of dog breeds provides an endless supply of inspiration. I truly enjoy sculpting them, as well as bringing happiness to those who enjoy seeing them.
Sharon received a BFA from Cleveland Institute of Art. She has exhibited in juried local and regional shows. Her love of animals and nature lead the way in all of her work.
Save the date for Sharon’s upcoming exhibition, The Animal Show! Featuring works by: Sharon Sheinbart, Annie Becker, Greg Murray, & Nicole Bruckman.
About River Gallery
River Gallery is dedicated to supporting the revival and continuance of Cleveland area arts and artists. The owner, Ara Hamamjian, has established connections with the art professors and alumni of area schools such as the Cleveland Institute of Art, Baldwin Wallace University, and Kent State University. The gallery shows everything from contemporary to traditional style paintings, works in metals, blown glass, ceramics, photography, and jewelry fabrications.
