Lonely Hearts 2026
Oct
7
6:00 PM18:00

Lonely Hearts 2026

‘LONELY HEARTS’ RETURNS: STEPHANIE FORBES’ PORTRAIT SERIES CELEBRATING LONG-TERM SHELTER DOGS COMES TO STARLAND YARD

SAVANNAH, GA- OCTOBER 7, 2026: Community art exhibition and adoption event benefiting the Humane Society for Greater Savannah brings shelter dogs, local art and animal advocacy together outside the traditional shelter environment.

Lonely Hearts uses portraiture and storytelling to shine a light on shelter dogs who are often overlooked for adoption. Some are seniors. Others have been waiting longer because of their temperament, history, medical needs or circumstances. Through original painted portraits, Forbes asks viewers to see each dog not simply as an animal in a shelter, but as an individual with a personality, story and life ahead of them.

At the heart of the project is an effort to bring people and shelter dogs together outside of the shelter environment. By introducing adoptable dogs to the community in a relaxed, social setting, Lonely Hearts creates opportunities for connections that might never happen during a traditional shelter visit.

When one of the dogs featured in Lonely Hearts is adopted, their original portrait goes home with their new family free of charge; a permanent reminder of the story that brought them together.

This year’s exhibition is planned for Starland Yard, bringing the project into one of Savannah’s most recognizable community gathering spaces and allowing art, hospitality and animal advocacy to exist together in an approachable environment.

The event will also feature a collaboration with Alma del Jaguar Tequila, a conservation-minded tequila brand whose commitment to protecting wild jaguars and their habitats closely mirrors the philosophy behind Lonely Hearts.

While their work focuses on very different animals, the two projects share a common belief: storytelling, a good product and beautiful experiences can be used to inspire people to care about animals that need advocates. The collaboration will bring Alma del Jaguar’s conservation story into the event alongside the local work of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah.

Guests will have the opportunity to view the complete Lonely Hearts portrait collection, learn the stories of the featured dogs, meet adoptable animals when possible, support the Humane Society for Greater Savannah and experience special event programming throughout the evening.

By taking animal advocacy beyond the walls of a shelter and art beyond the walls of a traditional gallery, Lonely Hearts aims to create a space where Savannah’s art, hospitality and animal-loving communities can come together.

RECEPTION DETAILS:

Date: Wednesday October 7, 2026

Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Location: Starland Yard, 2411 DeSoto Ave, Savannah GA  

Admission: Free and open to the public

Features: Food trucks on-site, cocktails and craft beer for purchase, meet-and-greet with adoptable dogs, art exhibition

About the Humane Society for Greater Savannah:

HSGS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has served the Savannah community for over 55 years. Their mission is to better the lives of pets and people through adoption, advocacy, and education. All operations are funded through private donations, grants, and community support. Learn more at https://www.humanesocietysav.org.

View Event →

OPEN STUDIO
Apr
22
6:00 PM18:00

OPEN STUDIO

  • 3301 Waters Avenue Savannah Georgia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This gathering is an opportunity to step into my current body of work, explore the space where it’s created, and spend time in conversation together. The work on view reflects a season of spiritual dryness, an ongoing longing for connection with the divine.. and the quiet process of growth and edification within that space.

Through natural forms and metaphors; Oysters, pearls, and deer (echoing the psalmist’s image of a deer longing for water) I am exploring themes of waiting, formation, and faith that persists even in absence.

Come by, take your time with the work, ask questions, and share in the dialogue. I’d love to see you there.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22, 6-9PM

3301 WATERS AVENUE

View Event →
LONELY HEARTS YEAR 3
Aug
16
2:00 PM14:00

LONELY HEARTS YEAR 3

LONELY HEARTS Returns: A Senior Dog Art Show & Adoption Event Hosted at Service Brewing

SAVANNAH, GA

This August, local artist Stephanie Forbes brings back LONELY HEARTS, a portrait exhibition and adoption awareness event spotlighting the senior and long-term shelter dogs of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah (HSGS). This year’s show will be hosted at Service Brewing Co., offering attendees a joyful, pet-friendly evening of art, compassion, and craft beer.

Originally launched in 2018, Lonely Hearts began as Forbes’ heartfelt response to the overlooked senior dogs at the shelter. She began painting free custom portraits for adopters, hoping to spotlight dogs who had been waiting months for a home. Since then, the project has evolved into a full exhibition, celebrating the charm, resilience, and uniqueness of HSGS’s “Lonely Hearts”—a term affectionately used to identify adoptable dogs who have been in the shelter’s care for over 30 days.

This year’s exhibition will feature over 10 hand-painted portraits of adoptable dogs, created by Forbes after spending time with each dog to capture their spirit. During the event, attendees will have the chance to meet the actual dogs from the portraits, who will be on site and available for adoption—accompanied by HSGS volunteers. If adopted, the new family will receive their dog’s portrait free of charge.

The event also serves to raise awareness about the Humane Society’s tireless work in the community and to inspire adoption through creative advocacy.

RECEPTION DETAILS
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 2:00-4:00PM
Location: Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian Street, Savannah, GA
Admission: Free and open to the public
Features: Food truck on-site, craft beer for purchase, meet-and-greet with adoptable dogs, art exhibition

About the Humane Society for Greater Savannah:

HSGS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has served the Savannah community for over 55 years. Their mission is to better the lives of pets and people through adoption, advocacy, and education. All operations are funded through private donations, grants, and community support. Learn more at https://www.humanesocietysav.org.

LONELY HEARTS: Portraits of Adoptable Senior Dogs

Local artist Stephanie Forbes presents Lonely Hearts, a one-day exhibition spotlighting long-term and senior dogs from the Humane Society for Greater Savannah. Hosted at Service Brewing Co., the event pairs custom painted dog portraits with a lively, pet-friendly adoption event. Guests can meet the dogs featured in the show, enjoy craft beer, and support animal welfare through art. A portion of proceeds benefits HSGS, and adopters will receive their pet’s portrait free of charge.

ARTIST INFORMATION & CONTACT:

Phone:  (706) 373-9905

Email:   sforbesart@gmail.com

sunshineforbes.com

HSGS INFORMATION & CONTACT

Humane Society Phone: (912) 354-9515

Email: events@humanesocietysav.org

Address: 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406

Humanesocietysav.org

View Event →
S FORBES + EDEN SUPPER CLUB Artist Reception
Jan
30
6:00 PM18:00

S FORBES + EDEN SUPPER CLUB Artist Reception

  • EDEN SUPPER CLUB at the Garage (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

NEWS  please join me at @edensupperclub on Thursday January 30 from 6-9pm to celebrate some new work of mine and of course my friend’s beautiful restaurant EDEN!

There will be some food and bubbles and good times with friends. 

*A portion of any sales made during this install will be donated to relief funds for the absolutely devastating California wildfires. 

I haven’t really known what to say about the wildfires. These things feel of nightmares and honestly incomprehensible yet.. I’m not surprised by what I see. A feeling which bleeds into an already opened wound of hopelessness. When I was 21 I packed my car and moved to California with a few dollars in my pocket and this big dream to “make it.” I spent a lot of time in LA and cherish the invaluable lessons I learned beyond measure. 

One thing I always reflect on is just how utterly beautiful that state is. Drives up and down the PCH held some of the most sacred sights I’ve ever had… and the caring hearts of the people I met along the way.. I honestly don’t have many words for it all right now. My heart is broken for those who have lost everything at the hands of yet another environmental catastrophe.

Whenever I am at a loss for what to do or say or how to help, I start with my local community. I’ve spent many days at Emmaus House, helping in the kitchen, feeding others which feels like my own tangible way oh helping stitch back together the pains of hurt we are all feeling as a collective. I’ve partnered with Child Enrichment over the last year, donating funds to help support such an invaluable resource for community that pours into children and brings justice to many families.. ‘Lonely Hearts,’ a project I initiated with The Humane Society of Greater Savannah was began years ago after hearing many consecutive stories of neglected dogs.. as always, I turn to my work

I mention these things as encouragement for when you feel lost or hopeless in how to help the world, there are places to start in your local community. We’re all embedded in the same fabric, everything you do has meaning and impact, small or large. There are always opportunities to help others. We’re all we’ve got.

View Event →
Closing Reception, 'The Things That Kept Me Warm/ Safe'
Nov
7
6:00 PM18:00

Closing Reception, 'The Things That Kept Me Warm/ Safe'

CLOSING RECEPTION + ARTIST TALK WITH STEPHANIE FORBES

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2024; 6:00-8:00PM 

*Cocktail hour to begin at 6:00pm followed by 

Artist Talk + Check Presentation at 7:00pm

Artist, Stephanie Forbes, Concludes Successful Exhibition “The Things That Kept Me Warm/Safe” at Child Enrichment, Augusta GA


Stephanie Forbes, the Savannah-based artist whose powerful exhibition, “The Things That Kept Me Warm/Safe” captivated audiences at Child Enrichment, is closing her transformative showcase with a celebratory evening event. The closing reception, scheduled for November 7, 2024, not only marks the conclusion of a successful launch of the Survivors Gallery at Child Enrichment but also offers a glimpse into Forbes’ next body of work.

Forbes’ debut at Child Enrichment was a poignant exploration of her triumph over a childhood marked by adversity, celebrated through a collection of sculptures, paintings, and installations that eloquently conveyed themes of warmth and safety. Her deeply personal journey resonated with visitors, offering a profound narrative of resilience and healing.

The closing reception on November 7, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, will be a final opportunity for the public to view and engage with the artworks that have resonated with many hearts during the exhibition run. Attendees will also have an exclusive first look at Forbes’ new series, “Mema in the Magnolia,” which promises to explore themes of beauty, hope, and intentional living.

In “Mema in the Magnolia,” Forbes invites viewers to contemplate the inherent beauty in all aspects of life, echoing her belief in finding goodness and intention in every moment. A selection of works from this series will be unveiled for the first time during the reception.


The closing reception will continue to support Child Enrichment’s efforts, with a portion of the proceeds from art sales during the event donated to the center. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to this vital cause while celebrating art and the transformative power of creativity. 


The reception will begin with a cocktail hour from 6:00-7:00pm where refreshments,champagne +wine with hor’devours will be served. Attendees will then have the opportunity to hear a more intimate description of the artist’s work and process over an Artist Talk at 7:00pm. During this closing reception, Forbes will also be presenting a check for the donated amount from a portion of all artist sales during this exhibition. 


Don’t miss your chance to be part of this memorable event. Join us on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Child Enrichment, located at 2300 Walden Drive, Augusta, GA. 


For more information, please visit sunshineforbes.com or contact Stephanie Forbes (Artist) or Kari Viola Brooke (Director, Child Enrichment)


EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: Child Enrichment, 2300 Walden Drive, Augusta GA 30904

Admission: Free and open to the public


PRESS CONTACT:

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Stephanie Forbes (Artist)

Sunshineforbes.com

Sforbesart@gmail.com

or

Kari Viola-Brooke (Executive Director, Child Enrichment)

Childenrichment.org

Kviola@childenrichment.org



View Event →