The Tail End of the Painted Cats 2011

On October 30, 2010, seventeen juried artists came to pick up giant cat forms at Cat Care Society to take home and paint for the benefit of homeless cats. They patiently listened to painting tips, asked questions, munched on donuts, drank coffee and loaded up their cats. The artists, despite possessing widely varying degrees of experience and skills, had never embarked on a project like it. Their ideas were unique and exciting, their motives as widely varied as their skills. It was an opportunity to (hopefully!) get their name and work out there, and to be part of a good cause. The challenge that lay ahead would take several months to complete.

As the cats began to arrive back in the shelter, one by one, our entire staff began to share in the excitement of the Painted Cats. Everyone had their own favorite and they marveled at how they all looked the same going out, and came back as characters with their own personalities. Some of the artists became very attached and agonized over letting their pieces go. Much to our delight, they came to all of the events, and followed the cats to the galleries where they were shown. Caravans of cars trooped the cats all over town until they reached the Lakewood Arts Council Gallery. Here they reunited with each other, in addition to over a hundred wall-hung painted cats from all over the metro area. It was an absolute festival of cats and cat lovers!

Another month went by and then the CCS cats were transported to the Green Gables Country Club, where they were shown together for the last time. The artists again joined us, as we toasted the thirtieth anniversary of the shelter and the event itself. We must admit, though, that even the big cats had a hard time competing for attention with little black Corporal Waddles, the Munchkin kitten who co presented the program with CCS Executive Director Shari Shiffer.
After a lovely dinner, the big cats were loaded up one more time, traveling to their permanent homes.

So what about next year? Well, since it was such a great success, we are already planning the next Painted Cats event. There will be big cats and smaller cats too. There will also be two sizes of the widely acclaimed CCS kitten paintings featured in the silent auction. Thank you to all involved and stay tuned for details on Tails of the Painted Cats 2012! Meanwhile, be sure to visit Meow Mart the next time you are in the shelter as we still have a supply of event T-shirts, note cards and posters. Meow!

Cat Care Society thanks all who have contributed to making this fundraiser a success:

Our cat sponsors
Our cat artists
Our corporate sponsors
Shari Shiffer
Suellen Scott
Marsha Crest
Barbara Kane
Dawn Risner
Jane Dorsey
Karen Gonzalez
Kathy Berls
Linda Goto
Don Martin
Mikki Wilder
Christina Taylor
Tim Atchison
Clete Nolde
Ann McFarlane
Kathy Husband
Dana Gengenbach
Barbara Ellis
Carrie Dow
Kellie Beiers
Erin Calligan
Connie Sanchez
Donna Albin
Rhandi Scrivner
Sandy Sardella
Paige Garnett
Becky Silver
Renee Emeson
Carri Currier