Daily News Photos by CRISTIAN SIMESCU Hannah, a 2-year-old mixed breed, turns to kiss volunteer Laura Ballard while painting a watercolor with her paws Tuesday afternoon at the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center as shelter coordinator Gretchen Sherrill helps

ST. CROIX - The work of several local artists - human, canine and feline - were featured Sunday in a benefit for the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center.

Art at Top Hat hosted "The Paws Palette" exhibit and champagne brunch on Company Street in Christiansted.

Animal artwork were created by welfare center pets, with the aid of center volunteers. The pets are available for adoption.

One of the animals whose work was on display was Hannah, a 2-year-old medium-size Crucian mix dog that was rescued after she was found emaciated with tick fever, heartworm and a collar embedded in her neck. She has since made a full recovery and last week she walked through watercolors and on a wet paper to create her own masterpiece.

Other artworks displayed were created by local artists Danica David, Kristin Duncan, Leslie Cramer and Nancy Byrnes. An original doghouse named "A Caribbean Dog House," created by Jean Merwin, was donated to the animal shelter by Trisha Resevic to be featured in the exhibit.

St. Croix Animal Welfare Center director of animal care Moises Carmona, left, interprets an artwork created by one of the pets at the animal shelter for animal shelter board vice president Donna Gay and Joanne White on Sunday during the "Paws Palette" exh

Animal Welfare Center board president Jennie Parrish said the response from the community was great. "It's a really nice turnout and we're selling a lot of art," Parrish said. "We appreciate the support from the community, which is essential to our survival."

Board vice president Donna Gay said they had a lot of help from volunteers to make the event happen.

"It was a real team effort," she said.

Top Hat co-owner Hanne Rasmussen said she always has supported the animal shelter.

"We've always had animals at the house from the shelter," Rasmussen said. "The shelter board is doing a lot of good and a lot of animals are a lot better off because of them."

Most of the four-legged creatures' creations were sold at the event. A dog was also adopted.

In addition to Top Hat, Premier Wines and Spirits sponsored the event.

For information on how to volunteer, donate or find out more about the animal shelter, call 778-1650 or visit www.stcroixawc.org.