Cats Who Paint showcases Berea’s feline artists
By Andy McDonald

It may be one of the most unusual art shows in Kentucky, but for local animal lovers, it’s the cat’s meow.

The show is Cats Who Paint, Berea’s biannual art show/auction where the creative works of local felines are used to raise money for the arts community and animals in need.

Upstairs Gallery owner Pamela Corley started the event in 1998 in the hope of raising funds for the local humane society and the Berea Arts Council. Inspired by the picture book “Why Cats Paint,” Corley called for submissions of cat art, inviting residents to help their cats make paw prints, scratches and tail marks for exhibition and auction. Corley is again calling for submissions for Cats Who Paint IV.


Feline artist Miss Beasley created this work of art with the help of her human companions, Richard and Stacie Wojciechowski.

Persuading cats to paint isn’t an easy venture, but Corley says it can be done through play. Would-be feline artists can be encouraged to create colorful works of art when their human companions drag a string across a canvas, or cats paws can be dabbed into paint, then they can be allowed to walk across a blank piece of paper.


Berea feline O'Malley Cat puts the finishing touches on a work of cat art.

When making cat art, Corley says the safety of pets must be the primary concern. Only non-toxic watercolors, food coloring, or tempura paints should be used in the creation art, and if a cat doesn’t want to participate, they should never be forced to do something that would make them frightened or upset.

“One has to remember this is not one of their normal behaviors,” Corley says.

This year, the proceeds of Cats Who Paint will benefit The Kitty, the Community Fund to Support Animal Rescue, and the Foster Home Network – all organizations that support cat rescue, help pay for veterinary care, and facilitate the placement of unwanted animals into loving homes. Proceeds will also benefit the Berea Arts Council.

As auctioneer for the event, Kent Gilbert says Cats Who Paint is special because it brings divergent interests together to support the arts and animal welfare.

“That’s one of my favorite aspects of the event,” says Gilbert. “Art has the power to speak where words often fail. Cats Who Paint inspires creativity. It seems like the best kind of partnership.”

The Cats Who Paint exhibit is currently scheduled to begin March 28 at ArtSpace in Berea, at 116 Main Street. In the meantime, Corley is accepting submissions from local cats and their human companions, which should include an “artists statement” written on behalf of the participating feline artist.

This year’s cat art exhibit will showcase “Hot To Molly,” a tribute to Berea’s long tradition as a center of folk dancing.

Residents who think their feline just might be the next Picatsso or Gustav Meow can contact Pamela Corley’s Upstairs Gallery at (859) 986-4434.



Al White gets into the act with feline
dancing partner.


Morticia will soon be a nationally known cat artist, recently pictured in the spring issue of ASPCA's Animal Watch Magazine.