Mimi Vang Olsen

Olsen was born in the Bronx. Her parents were immigrants from Hungary and Armenia.^[2] Her father was a photographer and her mother was a textile designer.^[2][1] Her husband, Bent, is Danish.^[1]

It is estimated that Vang Olsen has painted close to 400 pet and family portraits over her decades-long career. "I approach it as if it were a formal portrait of a person or a piece of fruit", Vang Olsen said. "It could be a still life. And by analyzing the pet's personality, dog or cat, you can figure out how to do a beautiful portrait."^[3] She only paints pets that are alive so she can visit the pet and learn its personality for the portrait.^[2]

Vang Olsen's artwork can be seen in most card stores, with profits from calendars and cards going to The Humane Society of New York.^[4]