Local animal photographer Sarah Matula has partnered with C.H. Booth Library to showcase her exhibit titled "Shelter Pets - Changing Perceptions."For more information on Sarah Matula Photography, visit her official site at sarahmatula.photography and read more about her photography volunteerism at newtownbee.com/local-photographer-uses-her-skills-to-help-animals-in-need.

Twenty of her photographs are being displayed in the meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street, this month.

It will close with a celebratory reception on Sunday, October 30, from 2 to 4 pm. The reception will include information on local shelters and rescue organizations, as well as light refreshments and a walk-through of all the images.

Ms Matula is using her photography talents to disprove multiple stereotypes about animals in shelters. Her goal, she said, is to also educate attendees on ways anyone can help make a difference in the lives of animals. She passionately promotes adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, and spreading information on social media for local animal organizations.

In addition her running her own business, Sarah Matula Photography, and volunteering her skills for multiple animal groups, Ms Matula is also an active member of the prestigious group HeARTs Speak, an international network of artists who help animal welfare organizations in their communities.

Ms Matula has worked with numerous local groups and her exhibit features images of animals from Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS), Connecticut Parrot Rescue of Stratford, Animal Welfare Society of New Milford, Ferret Association of Connecticut, as well as the Windsor municipal pound.

During her reception, she is planning for representatives from some of the organizations she volunteered with to be on hand to speak with guests.

Ultimately, she hopes her exhibit will reach people who have not thought about adopting from a shelter. She wants to show them the faces of the animals that are actually there.

"I want people to see the animals and to understand that shelter pets are beautiful," said Ms Matula.

ooth Library is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm; Friday, 11 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. "Shelter Pets - Changing Perceptions" can be viewed any time the library is open (as long as the meeting room is not in use for a program or meeting).

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