Shabby Tabby Cafe Announces Debut Art Show “Catcaphony”

The Shabby Tabby Cafe, which serves as a haven for adoptable cats, has just announced their first ever art exhibition, “Catcaphony.” The Sayville-based cafe is now seeking calls for artists—preferably of small postcard-sized pieces; 10” inches at absolute maximum—who work in a variety of mediums and themes. While work featuring cats will be most befitting of the space, all pieces will be considered provided that the imagery is non-violent, non-sexual, and therefore suitable for all audiences. 

There is no fee to submit work for consideration but, once accepted, a $35 hanging fee will be implemented. A portion of the proceeds of that money will go towards the Golden Paw Society which supplies the adoptable cats to the cafe. The exhibition is a juried show with prizes and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons in the categories of painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, realism, and abstraction. 

The Shabby Tabby founder, Ryan Shea, collaborated with artist and curator Meagan J. Meehan to make this show a reality at the Sayville location. If it is successful, another show will premiere at the brand-new Huntington location circa Spring of 2020.

“Art is a great way to bring people together and this is such a worthy cause,” Meagan J. Meehan stated in an exclusive interview. “I’m an animal lover, I have three cats, and as soon as I heard about the café, I knew I wanted to organize something like this. I’m so happy that Ryan was open to the idea!”

As an artist herself, Meehan understood the need to make the show affordable. Thus, the $35 hanging fee will only be requested after work has been accepted for display. “If you are invited to the show and pay the hanging fee, then you are guaranteed to have your work exhibited,” Meehan explained. 

The show is open to people of all ages; there will even be a section for children’s art. If a piece sells, that artist will receive 50% of sales and the other half will go towards the cafe, the cats, and the organization of future shows. 

“Cataphony” will enjoy its opening night on Friday, October 25. Hence, all work is due to be delivered to the cafe (or sent via mail) so they will arrive by October 21st. The opening reception will also feature a raffle with wonderful cat-related prizes. 

“We hope this will bring joy to a lot of people,” Meehan declared. We want to give artists a chance to get their work shown, get the cafe more exposure, and enable people to interact with all the wonderful cats who are currently looking for loving homes.” 

Meagan J. Meehan is curating this show under the umbrella of an arts organization that she recently founded called Artsy Cr8tive Initiatives. Via this organization, Meagan hopes to curate art shows (most that include a charitable cause), teach a range of art and writing classes at various venues, and help establish opportunities for playwrights to present their work publicly.