ST. CLOUD, Fla. — An incredibly rare experience combining hands-on art and majestic cats is only days away.

Paws and Palette is a 3-hour event taking place at the Central Florida Animal Reserve (CFLAR) in St. Cloud. Throughout your journey, the artists from Ex Animo Creations will guide you along the process of painting lions or tigers that are right in front of you.

Tatyanna Thomas owns Ex Animo (which translates to “from the heart”). She came to the CFLAR ahead of the event to show up what to expect. During the visit, she was painting a male lion named, fittingly, Siombe, which translates to “heart.” “It’s really inspiring that [the Reserve] is allowing us to be in their home to paint,” she said.

The CFLAF is a “big cat” wildlife sanctuary housing lions, tigers, leopards and cougars. They’re rescues. Tatyanna is stoked to raise funds to benefit the well-being of the animals, and do something for her studio clients that she has never done before. Their muse is a lion.

“Whether you’re an avid painter, or haven’t touched a brush since 2nd grade, leave your worries behind,” she said. Her team will guide you, step-by-step. “It’s not a stress zone. It’s literally stress free.”

Paws and Palette is Feb. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the CFLAR at 500 Broussard Rd., St. Cloud. Tickets are $65.