The Adventures of Weisie & The RappCats!
Hi Everyone!
The RappCats are a curious bunch. They have to check out everything that moves, and ears perk up and turn in unison when there's a new noise in the shelter.
Their curiosity goes beyond the ordinary though. RappCats believe in using their time with us to improve themselves and grow (some of them literally, which is when the dreaded diet food comes into play). I guess they figure the more well-rounded they are (pun intended) the better their odds of being selected by a potential adopter. And that, my friends, is their ultimate and deserving goal.
So the RappCats decided at their February 9Lives Meeting (all cats are encouraged to attend) that their next project would be an art class. Well, when the RappCats want to improve themselves, we support them 100%, so Art 101 for Cats is under way, and 2 classes have been held so far.
Weisie and I were invited to join in, and Tux reminded us to tell our Facebook and Twitter friends all about it too. (He's right - we'll share lots more about their class projects on our daily posts.)
Hope you enjoy!
...Dr. Deb
Greetings, Weisie
Ahem...uh, Weisie - you're not actually teaching the class, OK? But you look quite dashing in your beret, so let's have you be my assistant.
Just 3 rules:
(1) You're not allowed to step in the paint to make paw prints.
(2) You're not allowed to eat or roll in the paint.
(3) If you accidentally get paint on your fur, you are not allowed to lick it off. We have rags for that. Come see me.
Class #1: Appreciating the Art in Your Midst:
A Tour of RappCats Shelter Art
Exhibit A:
Cats of the Milky Way
Design & Construction by Candace Clough, RappCats Manager.
Painting by C. Clough and Lesley Jenkins, volunteer exemplar.
As described by docent Tux:
This is a classic example of what is called "applied" art. As opposed to "fine" art, which is developed for aesthetics or beauty, this form of art has practical use. (Just ask Solo - he sleeps atop it most nights.) Applied art goes beyond utilitarian, however, as is evident in this piece, with its pop art feel and dimensionality contributed by embedded jewels of different shapes, which invites the user to touch the object.
"Wow," thinks Lucy. "I just thought it was a table."
"There's not, like, going to be a test or anything on this, is there? Cuz I'm not sure I understood everything Tux said."
Exhibit B:
Cubby Tree
Design & Construction by Candace Clough
Cubby Tree is an example of sculpture, an artistic form in which materials are worked into three-dimensional art objects. This method encompasses many contemporary substances and techniques. Cubby Tree represents a genre of sculpture that relies on the assemblage of diverse materials of varying textures into multi-planed and complex forms that unite in a harmonious structure and function. Cubby Tree relied on the use of cat-friendly materials, including non-toxic apoxy, artificial turf for maximal scratch appeal, and velcro patches for slip-proof paw maneuvers. Limbs were constructed wide enough for cat naps, tall enough for exercise and bringing out inner tigers, and carved with cubbies for resting, snoozing and hiding from pesky roommates.
Exhibit C:
We Found Love at RappCats: The Door Home
By Candace Clough
This art holds a special place in the hearts of all the RappCats & volunteers.
Painted on the door through which our adopted cats leave with their new family, it's their portal to a new and better chapter of life.
Some of the RappCats decided to share what this piece means to them.
"This piece speaks to me" sighed Neera. "It reminds me love is real."
"I see strings. I want to chase them!" shouted Lorrie.
"I believe it portrays, in manner reminiscent of Expressionism, the idea of celebration and joy," said the ever-so-serious Luna.
"I see hope," whispered Solo. "It's that simple."
...and all the RappCats agreed...
Class #2: Introduction to Dutch "Golden Age" Art
Dutch Golden Age painting included many "scenes of everyday life" and was considered to cover roughly one hundred years, from the late 1550's to the late 1600's. Driven by new freedom from Spanish Catholic rule, the Dutch republic surged economically and culturally. Painting flowered as artists focused on ordinary events, landscapes and seascapes, and still lives of objects, fruits, and flowers.
One of the best-known painters of the Dutch Golden Age was the Delft master artist Johannes Vermeer, famous for his Cat with a Pearl Earring.
The work of oil on canvas is estimated to have been painted around 1665.
Pearls figure in 21 of Vermeer's works of art.
Earrings are also featured in some of his work, including
A Cat Writing a Letter, Study of a Young Cat, Cat with a Red Hat, and Cat with a Flute.
"That's not the truth," said Lia.
"It's not nice to tell lies, and it wasn't that funny anyway."
(We apologized to Lia. She's OK, and has resumed enjoying her back rubs.)
Well, Weisie, that was quite the art education, wasn't it?
I told you the RappCats are unique!
How many other shelters are just for cats,
are cage-free,
and have an artist as "da boss"?
Pretty cool, right?
Yeah, we think so too!
Hope you enjoyed - see you next time!
Meow for now! Kitty kisses...and here's to savoring all the art around us!
RappCats relies entirely on private donations
from animal lovers like you.
We can't do what we do without your support.
Please send this blog to your friends & family, and post it on social media so others will understand our work, and can choose to support RappCats.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Donations in the form of checks and money orders are also accepted and can be sent to:
RappCats P.O. Box 307 Washington, VA 22747
AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of eligible purchases to RappCats.
Always log into Amazon via smile.amazon.com to be sure your purchases count!
Simply select RappCats as your donation organization.
These small amounts add up, and make a difference to our cats!
www.RappCats.org
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