The Art's Meow: A Celebration of Community Cats features works in a variety of mediums, including paintings, above, and sculptures, right.
Participants in a painting party following The Art's Meow at Uptown Art can put paint to canvas and take home their version of this modernistic cat.The Art's Meow: A Celebration of Community Cats returns for a second year to Uptown Art, 2 Cherokee Blvd, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. The fundraiser/educational event will feature regional artists displaying feline-themed works for sale. Proceeds will be used exclusively for low-cost spay and neuter procedures on feral cats, felines that live on their own in urban areas.
"We want to help the community learn about feral cats and how to best serve their needs," says Eileen Price, founder of Wally's Friends, which provides spay/neuter services. "Not everyone understands that these outdoor cats can live relatively comfortable lives when managed properly."
The mixer will give art and/or animal lovers a chance to choose a favorite artwork to purchase. Education booths will provide literature and other information about feral cats and the people who work to help them. There are a number of managed colonies in and around Chattanooga.
"Feral cats and their management are misunderstood in many cities," says Dr. Marcia Toumayan, veterinarian and owner of The Cat Clinic, which provides low-cost spays and neuters for various shelters and clinics in the area. "We believe that trapping, neutering and releasing community cats is the humane way to deal with them and provide them the best quality of life."
The Cat Clinic also will celebrate its sixth birthday at the event.
A painting party hosted by Uptown owners Rona Hutchison and Kasie Lindley will follow The Art's Meow. Participants will receive step-by-step instructions to complete a take-home painting of a modernistic cat. No talent is required - just a sense of whimsy, Hutchison and Lindley say. Cost is $30, with a portion going to Wally's Friends. Find a link to registration at www.uptownart.com/chattanooga.
"It is a wonderful way to open our gallery and support a good cause," Hutchison says.