Pet owners and pet businesses from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., will gather today for the 3rd Annual Exhibition Every Dog Has its Day: Celebrating Our Canine Companions.

WVSA ARTs Connection(formerly Washington Very Special Arts) is hosting the opening reception, which features dog-themed artwork created by special-needs artists. The artist apprentices receive hands-on training in curatorial studies, as well as gain career and life skills.

At the reception, art commissioners will have the chance to view the portraits of their pets for the first time as well as meet the artists who created the pieces for them. For every piece of artwork, the artist receives a 30-percent commission. Prices range from $100 to $500 depending on size and style, abstract or realistic.

The opening night reception is Thursday, June 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the ARTiculate Gallery in Washington, D.C. Images from the exhibition can be viewed at www.wvsarts.org