‘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.
