Dog portraits turn Lynches River fence into a growing tribute to beloved pets

The Post and Courier Pee Dee reports that South Florence senior Amelia Stein-Metz next to her artwork at Lynches River County Park.

South Florence senior Amelia Stein-Metz next to her artwork at Lynches River County Park.

FLORENCE — Vibrant flowers wind around hand-painted portraits of local dogs at Lynches River County Park.

The portraits are the park’s newest fundraising effort, giving dog owners an opportunity to have their pet immortalized on the park’s fence in exchange for funding for the park.

What began as a simple suggestion from a regular dog park visitor became a blend of public art, community engagement and fundraising all spearheaded by a young Florence County artist.

The project bloomed from a conversation between a regular dog park visitor and Jennifer Majors, parks superintendent at Lynches River County Park.