RePURRposed Gallery (part 3)

As other Artists, Guests, and Celebs arrived, we went to each piece of art and viewed them with amazement in our eyes. So many different techniques, and creative vision went into each. In the packets snail mailed to us there were a few guidelines, and coupons for several dozen cans of free Purina brand cat food. We could use 10 of any size or combination of cans so long as they were Friskies or Fancy Feast.

I used exactly 10 cans in my piece and a few label parts, but some artists used many of both labels and cans. Like Camille Olive's piece and one of my favorites! I just love all the detail and her use of the labels. Camille resides in Pennsylvania, and was there with her charming daughter who lives in NYC. Had great conversation with both of them.

For the fur, she cut the tin in strips and curled it. This must have been very time consuming and really shows how much care she put into creating this adorable fishing cat.

The gallery event was so much fun! The Friskies team had a bunch of surprises and really went above and beyond to make it extra special for us Artists who participated. Here the Friskies & Fancy Feast teams share that each Artist will get a gift basket and a $200 American Express gift card! We could choose between a FF or Friskies basket. I chose the FF basket with the glass Christmas tree topper inside. The Friskies basket had flip flops and note pads, and both baskets were filled with cans of cat food. We were also given a green gift bag with the Purina brand logos printed on the front, with MORE FREE cat food coupons! and an adorable cat toy inside.

My cats Simon & Jaz thank you for the toy and all the yummy delicious food! My sister even got a bag too! My cats never like me going away and always have a bit of an attitude when I return, so bearing gifts this time sure remedied that! :0)

I exchanged cards/contact information with several of the Artists I mingled with throughout the evening, and we've since connected on facebook. In a conversation sharing our mega fun experience, Wendy Hannaford said, "I feel like Purina took such good care of us, I feel so SPOILED!" I must agree with you Wendy!

Everyone involved was so friendly, and obviously very talented and dedicated to organize such an amazing event. It was a real pleasure meeting Brittany and a few of the other people involved after emailing and talking with them on the phone. I met so many cool people! Kahi Lee from HGTV's Design on a Dime, hosted the event and even participated with her own art from cat food cans. My camera battery pooped out before she arrived so unfortunately I didn't get any photos of her or her cool Dr. Suess-ish lamp. Google, there are pics of the event all over the place :0) and tomorrow selected works will go up for auction on Ebay! Money from the sales go to KAB (Keep America Beautiful). Read the full press release here.



More about this awesome event Coming Soooon!

RePURRposed Gallery (part 2)

My sister Karen and I took a taxi part of the way toward SoHo where the event was being held. I've never visited New York as an adult, so we did a LOT of walking so I could really experience the city up close. Hell on the feet but WOW! SoHo was such a cool area, I knew instantly that one day I'll have to return and explore it more!

Part of me wanted to linger and take photos, peek in the interesting shops along the way, yet at the same time I wanted to speed walk right to Mulberry Street. I've been SO excited for weeks now in anticipation of this event, I just couldn't wait to get there! Brittany really upped the excitement when she called to confirm our attendance and teased that there would be some surprises!

We knew we had arrived as soon as we saw the chalk paw prints on the sidewalk out front of the building. Such a clever idea! They really did think of everything!

We arrived about fifteen minutes early, just enough time to sit around the corner and change out of our sneakers. I wondered the whole time I was there HOW women can walk around NYC in high heels and not break their necks!??  While we waited out front we watched the activity inside. Photographers taking photos of the art, last minute details being put into place, and THERE! just down the steps on the next level, in the middle I saw MY CATS! They are so brightly colored they loudly meowed, "Here I am!" 

Outside we met a few of the other Artists participating in the gallery. Local Artist Kira Alexis Kuck accompanied by her Dad, and Wendy Hannaford who traveled all the way from California! We snapped a few photos by the window display, and before we knew it, Brittany Allan was greeting us and we were going inside.

Here I am with fellow participating Artist, Wendy Hannaford just after we put our name tags on. Posing in a respectable manner was difficult when what I really wanted to do was jump up and down and yell, "OMG! I'm really here!" All the composure really disguises the incredible amount of excitement that has built up over the weeks leading to this day. 

My art has never been in a gallery before, other than the student shows I was forced to participate in during my college years. It's never fun for me doing things that don't hold importance. Like the name I use here for my blog, facebook, and Etsy shop; Cher's Passion. Art and any cause aimed to improve people's lives or our environment, are things I can freely apply my passion to. This is living a good life to me, making a difference, is meaningful and well worthwhile.

My crazy cats have made people laugh and that alone is an accomplishment of doing something meaningful. Laughter IS the best medicine. These cats hold hints of my real cat's personalities, but some of mine too. They show how silly I can be sometimes, and boldly state how much I love color. Irregardless of how "Hilarious" they are, they also tell a personal story of hardship and dreams, perseverance and love.

More coming soon! 

:0)

Friskies RePURRposed Gallery Event (part 1)

There is SO much to share, and so much to catch up on after being away for a few days, so I'm going to do it in medium sized chunks :0)

In the meantime, I've uploaded photos of the event on my facebook fan page, a few videos too. One video is still processing and I've a few more to upload yet.

Keep checking back for more updates!

Friskies Photo Booth

My sister Karen and I at the RePURRposed Gallery event in SoHo New York on April 14th. SOOOO much fun!

------>More updates on all the fun at the gallery coming soon!

Shop Green

I belong to a GREAT Etsy team (Etsy Recyclers Guild), where all the members use recyclable materials in their creations. In our team you will find the perfect gift, decor, functional items, jewelry, art and more. Everything is handmade!

For a quick look see, take a look at our current treasury featuring a bunch of my fellow team members.

Also here's a very informative article about our team and it's members, and our team blog has a list of all our team member's shops on Etsy.

Happy Green shopping!

Earth Day 2010

What are you doing for  EarthDay2010? 
Check out EarthDay2010 on twitter and tweet what you are doing to keep America beautiful.

I know I've written about this here, on facebook and on twitter already, but I'm SO excited I have to keep talking about it!

I'll be in New York with my sister Karen on Earth Day (April 14th) for the RePURRposed gallery event. My cat food can, cat inspired art will be IN the show! Check out more photos of my submission on my flickr.