A Santa Fe artist and animal lover will attend the opening of an exhibit of her work Friday at a popular coffee house.

A portion of the sales of artwork by Lynne Loshbaugh will benefit the Santa Fe animal shelter. Loshbaugh and her shelter dog, Chula, will be at the exhibit from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Downtown Subscription, 376 Garcia St., in Santa Fe.

The monthlong exhibit features more than 20 original paintings, some new and some old, said organizer and daughter Jenny Loshbaugh, who encouraged people to “meet the artist and come share your love for Santa Fe’s animals in need.”

Lynne Loshbaugh, whose work has been described as whimsical folk art, said when she starts painting, she lets go of the real world and wanders into one of magic and fantasy. “I’ve never really done a ‘theme show’ because that imaginary world is constantly changing in my mind.”

Many of Loshbaugh’s paintings depict animals, either interacting directly with the human subjects or off on their own adventures. Loshbaugh, in answering questions about her art, said “in a painting, you can turn emotions inside out and create whatever reality you choose, perhaps wistful, colorful, humorous, maybe in deliciously sarcastic.”

The artist said she urged people to “bring their own story into my work. And, as always, I hope they also bring a smile, and a question.”