A Canberra artist whose unusual muse is his rescue greyhound is about to unveil his debut exhibition, which he describes as “a cultural statement”.

At the centre of the exhibition by Elliott Fox, to be unveiled on Sunday, will be a life-size sculpture depicting a greyhound in saintly form – Saint Grey – an artwork, he says, that “embodies reverence and resilience.”

The exhibition of the same name, will tour Australia from August, and will feature greyhound sculptures, paintings and screen prints in critique of the dog-racing gambling industry, all to be gradually revealed publicly in the lead up to the exhibition opening.

To mark the announcement and to celebrate the affectionate nature of greyhounds, Fox and his greyhound Adam Barker are inviting the Canberra community to a special greyhound pack walk event on Sunday starting at Gang Cafe in Downer, where they’ll be laying on free puppuccinos for canine visitors.

“Art needs to be more than a pretty picture,” Fox says. “It should provoke thought and inspire change.”

Saint Grey exhibition announcement and Pack Walk, Gang Gang Café, Shop 4/2 Frencham Place, Downer, March 16.