Cats in elegant poses. Or looking aloof. Or ready to pounce.
Whatever your experience with felines, you'll likely want to get your paws on pieces being offered this afternoon at the Art's Meow, a cat-themed art show benefiting community cats.
Feral and abandoned cats will thank you.
Now in its fifth year, Art's Meow occurs each October on the Sunday of or before National Feral Cat Day, which is Monday, Oct. 16.
Thirty-six artists have contributed work. Prices are set by the artists, and they'll donate a portion or even all of their profits.
"We asked that at least 60 percent of each piece be donated to The Alice Fund, but some artists will donate 100 percent," says event spokeswoman Mary Lockhart.
She represents The Alice Fund, a nonprofit begun in 2008 - and named for a feral cat - with a mission of providing medical care to cats in need.
If you go
* What: The Art’s Meow, a cat-themed art show.* When: Noon-4 p.m. today.* Where: Walker Pavilion at Coolidge Park, 200 River St.* Admission: Free.* Website: www.thealicefund.org.
Lockhart says her "best guess" is that 200 cats have been helped since the fund was established. Several area veterinary offices offer discounts to clients who have been approved for help from the fund.
"The degree of assistance varies greatly - from simple spay and neuter requests to amputations," Lockhart says. "So the financial assistance for each case is different."
In its first four years, Art's Meow has raised about $20,000, she reports.
Lockhart says most of the participating artists are friends and associates of board member Hedi Lee-Hesse, who is also a contributing artist. Lockhart's not aware if all of the artists have a cat at home, but she's grateful for their participation, with or without their own personal fur ball to provide inspiration.
"Artists were asked to create a cat-themed item (of any medium), so they are not necessarily 'cat lovers,'" she explains. "But they are 'kind souls' willing to contribute to a good cause."
Visitors to Coolidge Park today can peruse the assortment, which includes cat-themed paintings, sculptures, jewelry, stained glass and burned wood images. The fundraiser also will feature live entertainment, face painting, pumpkin decorating and other craft projects.
Lockhart says the biggest piece in the show is a cartoon-style painting by Steve Davis, an artist from McMinnville, Tenn.
"I like its whimsy," she says, "and if you are a cat person, it speaks to that part of you that wants to know, 'Just what does a cat do all day when I'm not around?'"
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.