Joyce Yarbrough at MAC in July

Gateway Gallery Artist Joyce Yarbrough will have a solo exhibition of "Plants and Places" featuring both silhouettes and pastels, July 1-31 at the Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington St. Louis, MO.

"Mountain Morning" (scissors and papers)

"Foggy Morn" (Pastel)

"Intertwined" (Scissors, Paper, & Paint)

Vic Mastis - "Florida, The Tropical Bliss"



The Get Away by Vic Mastis

 How long have you been at Gateway Gallery?
I have been there since the beginning; 6 ½ years. I did leave for 2 months when I had family health issues but I am so happy to still be there. It is such a neat venue. With such a diverse group of artists participating, I have experienced so much. The group just keeps the ideas flowing and the art fresh and new.



Blowing in the Wind

 Your work has taken a bit of a different direction, why is that?
My work is going in a little different direction, partly from the inspiration of Michael Anderson’s bright colored acrylics. I have lightened and brightened up my palette to get the effect of the new spring and summer that is upon us.

What brings about the Florida theme?
The Florida theme comes from a desire to simulate some of the wonderful moments our family has had there in our 25 years of vacationing among the palm trees. I have tried to capture the feeling of relaxation, peacefulness, the crisp smell of the ocean and momentum that we take back with us to keep these feelings as long as we can.

Polly Wanna Cracker?

What have you been up to this last year?
I have gotten new representation at the Artistica Art Gallery right outside of Denver, in Aurora, Colorado. The owner, Marco Miami said “He seeks to share the talents of distinctive European and American artists with the area communities.” www.artisticaartgallery.com

Anything else new?
Yes, I am very excited- I am going to have an article about my art in the June issue of Missouri Life Magazine. I look forward to a summer full of painting and exhibiting. Also, I just updated my website-take a look and you will see a lot of new landscapes www.FineArtByVic.com.

Perfect Night by Vic Mastis

All of these paintings are on display at Gateway Gallery through May 20th, 2011.

Vic Mastis at The Artistica Art Gallery

The Artistica Art gallery is now representing artist, Vic Mastis in Aurora Colorado. Marco Miani said to the Italian Daily News, the purpose of the gallery is “To educate the local community about the importance of the beauty of art; help the public make sense of how a work of art enriches an environment; and to help the public understand that, often, art is an excellent form of investment.”

Artistica Art Gallery

Southlands Mall

6200 S. Main St. STE-J-109

Aurora Co, 80016

www.artisticaartgallery@hotmail.com

720-274-5763

Interview with the Artist - Deborah A. Williams

The nature around us depends on the nature within us…

Natural Capital: “Natural capital is the land, air, water, living organisms and all formations of the Earth's biosphere that provide us with ecosystem goods and services imperative for survival and well-being. Furthermore, it is the basis for all human economic activity.”

How long have you been an artist?
I began my art career seriously in 1997 but have been taking classes and workshops since high school. Making art is a lifelong pursuit.


What kind of art do you make?
I can’t decide - I keep changing and experimenting. I think my favorite is mixed media. I love using all the beautiful handmade papers with different fibers and textures along with pastels, acrylics and/or photographs. My favorite is painting “en plein air” - except for the wind, rain, bugs, cold, and heat. I love being outdoors and the natural landscape is so inspiring and challenging. Plus there is the added bonus of the camaraderie of the other plein air artists.

What is your "day job" if you have one?
I have worked in clinical and research labs for most of my life. Currently I am a grants administrator – working with medical researchers to find funding for their research projects. Working in the lab was more creative but working in research administration is rewarding and extremely challenging.

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn't make visual art?
Anything outdoors, I love gardening and landscaping. I also just finished building my house with the help of family and friends. That was crazy creative!

I am also working on a master’s degree in sustainability at Saint Louis University. It is self evident that we live within a finite system of natural limits and need to consider our footprint on our environment and enhance our ability to operate in positive and proactive ways as we increase our understanding of natural processes.

"Natural capital is the extension of the economic notion of capital (manufactured means of production) to goods and services relating to the natural environment. Natural capital is thus the stock of natural ecosystems that yields a flow of valuable ecosystem goods or services into the future. For example, a stock of trees or fish provides a flow of new trees or fish, a flow which can be indefinitely sustainable. Natural capital may also provide services like recycling wastes or water catchment and erosion control. Since the flow of services from ecosystems requires that they function as whole systems, the structure and diversity of the system are important components of natural capital."

Don't miss your chance to meet Debbie and see her beautiful work in person this Friday, February 11th from 6:00-9:00PM. We will have wine and appetizers from Mazara's.

Interview with the Artist - Michele Wells

Katy Trail Splendor
I have been painting in the Augusta Missouri area for over 8 years. They have an annual 10 day plein air paint-out there every April. The Katy Trail runs right through this lovely little town and is one of my favorite subjects. The vineyards and farm fields are also great views. Much of my subject matter this month reflects many of the scenes in and around Augusta and the Katy Trail.

How long have you been an artist?

I can remember loving to draw when I was 5 or 6 and took as many art classes as I could in High School. I went to Art School at a local community college in Vancouver Canada where I grew up. However I did not take a career in the arts after college. It has been a long and winding road. I took it up as a hobby about 12 years ago after I had moved to St. Louis. I started with watercolors and soon switched to pastels in 2000 when I found the local pastel society, Gateway Pastel Artists. Pastels are my main medium today.

What kind of art do you make?

My favorite subject matter is the landscape in pastels. Recently I have been doing watercolor washes under my pastels. However I also like to play with painting abstracts and using different mediums under the pastels. Some things I have been experimenting with are tissue paper collage, gesso, pumice and matte medium mixtures.

What is your "day job" if you have one?

I have been a commercial electrician with IBEW Local #1 for almost 8 years. It is a highly technical job. When I was doing my apprenticeship I found it hard to paint because everything was so right brain. I now find that I have to work at switching my brain over to the creative side whenever I want to paint. Sketching and music are good tools for this.

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn't make visual art?
Before I renewed my interest in painting I was involved in competitive dancing. I started with country dancing but soon switched to swing. To be more exact my style was West Coast Swing. Dancing is a great way to express oneself. I traveled across the US and Canada and competed at many swing dance conventions. We had elaborate routines and costumes.

Dancing is where I learned that I love to teach. I have recently started to teach pastel painting and am finding it very rewarding.

Don't miss your chance to meet Michele and see her beautiful work in person this Friday, December 3rd from 6:00-9:00PM. We will have wine and appetizers from Mazara's.

Janice Schoultz Mudd in “XVII – The Exhibition at Art Saint Louis

Paintings  by Gateway Gallery’s Janice Schoultz Mudd can be seen at Art Saint Louis’s gallery at 555 Washington, St Louis through December 30^th. This year’s annual exhibit was juried by Stacy Switzer, Artistic Director at Grand Arts, Kansas City.  A highly completive show, 64 original artworks were selected from 482 submitted.  

Visit http://www.artstlouis.org/current.html for further information.

Interview with the Artist - Cate Honse

How long have you been an artist?
I would like to think that I was growing as an artist since I could pick up a crayon or draw in the sand. I was nurtured by my parents whether it was sewing and cooking with my mom or working in the wood shop or outside with my father.

As a young artist I was involved in many classes inside and outside of school.

Are you formally trained? If so, where?
I studied at the University of Northern Iowa under some great artists, ceramic teacher, Joann Schnable and sculpture instructor, John Stancliff. My major was art education because I did not want to be a full fledged starving artist. However, I was an education major, but I kept the hours of BFA students (long days nights and weekend spent in the studio). My love has always been, and will always be, in the studio.

What is your “day job” if you have one?
I am a full time art teacher at a local high school in St. Louis. I teach 2-D. 3-D, and ceramics.

When that job ends I come home and work on remodeling our house or in my studio.

What kind of art do you make?
Using a technique developed in college and refined over the years I imprint an actual leaf into a hand rolled slab of clay I then form it into the desired shape. When the piece is placed in the kiln the leaf burns away, leaving only the imprint of the leaf behind. My technique enables me to capture every vein and detail from the underside of each leaf. Glazes are then applied and often layered in order to accent every detail left behind by the leaf.

I also make necklaces, earrings, broaches, cocktail picks, and book marks. These items are created in the same manor as the larger leaves however they are hand-painted instead of glazed enabling me to retain the details in leaves as small as the finger nail of your pinky.

Much of my work can be used as decorative or functional art depending on the owner’s desires

How long have you been involved with The Gateway Gallery?
I was fortunate enough to join the gallery in October of 2007. While at the gallery I have meet many great artists and learned a lot from each one.

Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from nature. Each day Mother Nature presents us with limitless natural wonders. As a young child I was taught to slow down and pay attention to these details. I attribute this to the summers I spent then, and Specifically the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I spent my summers growing up on an Island with no Phone, TV, or cars. Without the interruptions and distractions of our world today.

Why do you make art?
I like making art because it brings me closer to nature and to myself. It makes me slow down and pay attention to the small details of life. The feel of the clay under my hands, the delicate aspects of a leaf.

How often do you create?
I try and create every day. Some times I get on a run and will be in my studio weeks on end. However, currently priorities have changed a bit since I found out I am pregnant and I have not been in the studio as much as I would like.

Where do you get your creative talent?
Join us on October 15 for “The Apple and the Tree” opening reception where you will see how art is passed down from generations. This father daughter show will feature the unique Stained glass lamps By Dave Dunn and my one of a kind ceramic leaves.

There are many more that have had an influence on the creative gene being passed down trough the generations: my grandmother works in watercolor, my great grandmother painted in oil, my grandfather dabbled in painting, and my great grandfather was a skilled woodworker. My sister is also an artist but chose to avoid being a starving artist and decided to become a Lawyer instead leaving her little time for artistic pursuits.

Why have you chosen the subject matter you have chosen?
I have chosen leaves because I have always had a deep love for nature and the natural wonders it produces. Furthermore, I enjoy being able to create something that broadens others love and appreciation of nature.

Do you have pets? Tell about them.
I have 2 dogs, 1 cat, a tank full of fish and turtles, and a baby on the way.

Local Flavor

The Gateway Artists have been working hard to put on a fresh new exhibit during the St. Louis Art Fair this weekend in Clayton. Most of the artists have created a piece of art that communicates the Local Flavor theme this year. Each work of art is signified by the "Local Flavor" tag by each person's work of art. If you would like a sneak preview, then visit our Facebook Photo Album where most of our artists have posted a photo of their work. This album only gives you a taste though. You have to come in an see for yourself all the beautiful work we have for sale!

We have special art fair hours this weekend:
Friday,     September 10 5:00pm - 10:00pm
and we will have light appetizers from Mazara's.
Saturday, September 11 10:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday,   September 12 10:00am - 5:00pm

We are also welcoming three wonderful guest artists for this year's fair; Michael Anderson, Daven Anderson, and Greg Kluempers.

Congratulations to Vic Mastis!

Orange Pines

Vic Mastis won 2nd place at the "Trails West" art fair in St. Joesph, MO, August 21, 2010.

Janet Fons in "Painting: The Artful Palette" at the Foundry Art Centre

Foundry Art Centre

Gateway Gallery's very own Janet Fons has three paintings juried into "Painting: The Artful Palette", a juried exhibition celebrating the art of painting.

The exhibition which runs from August 27 through October 8, is in Gallery I & II at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO.

The reception is August 27 6-9 pm and the resident artists will host an open studios at the same time.

The juror is David Spear, an award-winning public artist based in Columbia, MO.

Visit http://www.foundryartcentre.org/ for hours and information.

detail from "The River Sings"

Painting Retreat with Dawn Gano at Pere Marquette October 23-24, 2010

Imagine painting in the midst of stunning fall foliage at the picturesque Pere Marquette Lodge.

Imagine painting with international artist, Dawn Gano. You will love the inspiring landscape, scenic river view, and relaxing atmosphere. Oil paints to mix an infinite palette and snacks will be provided to feed your creativity.

Imagine learning essential techniques that will enrich your paintings, escaping to nature for rejuvenation, and gaining confidence to pursue your own work. An incredible experience for all skill levels.

Maximum of 18 students per workshop

rates per person:
Two Day Workshop $225 until September 22, 2010
$250 after September 22, 2010

register now
636 293 0139
dganoartist@aol.com

Dawn Gano
Painting Retreat at Pere Marquette
P.O. Box 484
St. Peters, MO 63376

Visa and Master Card accepted.
Check out Dawn's work at http://www.dgano.com/

Vic Mastis at the World Trade Center in Clayton

Title: "Orange Pines"
Medium: Oil & Gold Leaf
Size: 30 x 40

Vic Mastis has an exhibit of her recent works at the World Trade Center ,121 S. Meramec Ave. in Clayton until August 13, 2010.

Gateway Artists at Open Studios!

The 5th annual City-Wide Open Studios sponsored by the Contemporary Art Museum St Louis, is coming up this weekend.

On Saturday July 24, Ron Flier will be at the Tower Grove East Art Studio and Heather Haymart will be at The Luminary .

On Sunday, July 25 you will find Janice Schoultz Mudd surrounded by her paintings at the Artist’s Studio Building and Sheldon Johnson welcoming visitors to his working studio on Olive St.

Ron Flier

Heather Haymart

Janice Schoultz Mudd

Sheldon Johnson

This is a great opportunity to visit with artists and find out more about who they are and what drives their art making. For all the details go to the City-Wide Open Studios link and click on the map button.

Be sure to download the PDF map for complete and accurate information.

See you there.

Interview with the Artist - Greg Matchick

Go with the Flow

The abundant presence of water not only makes the earth unique but is an integral part of life itself, coming to represent cleansing, renewal and refreshment; while its various properties and diverse forms interplay with light and colors to make it an endless source of inspiration for artists. Connecting with this element, Gateway Gallery artists will be sharing their inspiration and interpretations under the theme “Go with the Flow”.

Are you formally trained? If so, where?
I have not received formal training. I am a self taught photographer who has learned the art through years of trial and error and determination. Often when asked how long I have been a photographer, my first reply is with the question: “A good one?” A breakthrough came in 1998 on a trip to Europe. Everything came together – knowledge, techniques and subject matter. I have been consistently producing good work ever since then.

What is your “day job” if you have one?

I am an accountant by day which seems incongruous to many, but not so. Accountants tend to have an eye for detail and a keen sense of organizing and putting things in order. Composing a photograph requires these same traits. Not only that, my day job is closely linked with the art I produce because that is what funds my trips to Europe. I must admit, however, I find photography far more satisfying and enjoyable.

What kind of art do you make?

I am primarily recognized for my photographs of Europe but I also love the beauty of nature which surrounds us. Living and photographing in Missouri can be challenging. There are no sweeping landscapes with mountain ranges so my images are more intimate. Years ago, in the days of film, I was photographing nature with a 35mm camera using a 135mm fixed lens, which used to be considered a portraiture lens, and I referred to my images as intimate nature portraits. Nowadays this style has become more popular and those terms are being used frequently.

Where do you get your inspiration?

The light, color and composition presented before me inspire me to photograph the beauty of a scene. When I am photographing, particularly in Europe, I draw inspiration from the environment surrounding me. The sights, the sounds… the smells; all of my senses are stimulated by the culture and presence I feel in Europe. Often people remark that my photographs capture the essence of Europe and draw out those deep feelings they have from their own experiences. I love the culture of Europe and I believe it is communicated through my photographs.

How often do you create?

Some find my answer to this surprising. Often photographers are photographing frequently, sometimes daily. For me annual trips to Europe produce the bulk of my work. I rarely photograph beyond that. Sometimes I might do a day trip in the spring or fall to photograph nature in Missouri but there are times when once a year is it. The rest of the year is spent sorting through my work, producing prints and everything that goes along with exhibiting and selling my fine art prints.

Why does the world need art?

I believe art is one of the defining things that set human beings apart from the rest of the livings organisms on earth. However, I cannot answer this question without at least touching down on my spiritual views. I believe humans are endowed with the desire and capacity to both create and appreciate creativity by a supreme creator motivated by love. Art is an expression of love and a desire to share and communicate, all of which are basic human needs. Art is a high level form of communication as it evokes feelings and taps deep emotions. Art gives the artist an outlet to share and communicate and allows the viewer to respond. Basically we are hard-wired for this need whether we recognize it or not.

To illustrate, recently St. Louis lost a radio station that was a major advocate of the arts. The loss expressed by so many in the community was not just a lack of classical music (after all, we can listen to recordings). The loss was a link which bound the artistic community. A void was created and there is a deep need, hungering to be filled. I cannot imagine a world of humans without art, which is why it is so important to be supportive.

What other creative outlet would you explore if you couldn't make visual art?

I also enjoy writing and have even coupled this with my photography. I have had articles posted in two photography magazines in the last few years. The Spring 2005 issue of Exposure Gallery Magazine published an article about travel in Italy in the springtime and the Summer 2007 issue of Nature Photographer Magazine published an article about the joys and challenges of photographing Missouri's natural springs. It is indeed rewarding to see one's photography published and even more so if you have written the accompanying article.

Why have you chosen the subject matter you have chosen?

I’m not sure if I have chosen my subject matter or if it has chosen me, either way it seems to be a good fit. From childhood I have enjoyed travel and nature. Visiting new places, exploring new things, seeing the world afresh, new and different; all of this inspires me and comes to life through the camera. For more than a decade I have enjoyed visiting Europe and it never ceases to inspire and refresh me. To step out into nature and spend a day alone in the woods or by a stream rejuvenates me and reminds me of the beauty of creation that surrounds us. What a wonderful opportunity I have to share these experiences with others through my photography.

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?

I particularly enjoy the opportunities I have at the artist receptions we hold at Gateway Gallery to talk with others. When I see people respond to my work and share their own experiences and feelings I know I have struck a chord. Exhibiting one’s art is all about giving but there is reciprocation when the viewer responds. Sharing in this interchange face to face is rewarding.

Please come see a large collection of Greg's photographs on display at the Gateway Gallery. There is be an artist reception on Friday July 30, 2010 from 6-9. We will be serving wine from Three Squirrels Winery and appetizers from Mazara's.

The Awards Keep Coming - Congrats Linda Smith!

Bandana & Shades Oil 24 x 18

One of our newer artists, Linda Smith has had a recent painting, Bandana & Shades, juried into the top 15% in the BoldBrush Painting Competition for May. You may view all the entries at:

FineArtViews Painting Competition - FAV15%

D.A. Williams Wins an Award!

"Ginko Geometry" paper collage with pastel

D.A.Williams with the Gateway Gallery and the Gateway Pastel Artists won the 2nd place award in Mixed Media (included Watercolor, Pastel, Mixed Media) at STEMS Plein Air event in Kansas City June 2010.

Interview with the Artist - Sheldon Johnson

How long have I been an artist?

Since 1997

Are you formally Trained?

Received a BFA MA painting degrees from Fontbonne University where I am working on my MFA

What kind of art do you make?

I produce primarily abstract oil, watercolor & mixed media paintings which vary from small intimate pieces to large scale works

What draws you to the medium you use?

The physicality of enamel & oil paints where the act of painting becomes an expression of my deep inner thoughts distilled through my life travels and perceptions of everyday experiences.

How long have you been involved with Gateway Gallery?

I am one of the founding members of the gallery which opened in September 2004

What are your greatest artistic influences?

My influences vary as my painting style matures, currently Philip Guston, Joan Mitchell,Arthur Dove,& Mark Tobey's theories and styles have influenced my new work, especially the new series"Eye of the World"

What music do you listen to while creating?
I love classical(Tchaikovsky), jazz & rock(Greatful Dead)

Where is your studio & what is it like?
My studio is a 3000 square foot old warehouse with tall ceilings in University City just north of the Delmar Loop where I usually paint my large pieces on canvas mounted on the walls or laid on the floor

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?
That's a 3 part answer: 1) the recognition from art critiques when they select my work for juried shows where the public can view my creations 2)When an individual relates to my paintings and invests in one of my pieces by making it part of their life and home 3) passing on my artistic talents to other artists especially my young daughters who love to draw and paint

Sheldon Johnson 6725 Olive University City

WeB: gatewaygalleryonline, graficafinearts.com & paintersworld blogg

Gateway Artists are Everywhere!

The first weekend in June is so full of events for the Gateway artists, we just had to tell you all about it!

On June 4th from 6-9pm we will be hosting two guest artists, Daven Anderson and Nancy Spence in conjunction with Sheldon Johnson's show called Abstraction Revisited. Please come join us for appetizers from Mazara's and wine from Three Squirrels Winery. It's always a good time!

Five of the Gateway artists; Vic Barr, Janice Shoultz Mudd, Garry McMichael, Cate Honse, and Heather Haymart will be exhibiting at

Art and Air in Webster Groves the first weekend in June.

The fair hours are: Friday, June 4: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

                            Saturday, June 5: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
                            Sunday, June 6: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dawn Gano will be in beautiful Hermann Missouri at A Taste for the Arts; Fine Art, Music, and Food June 5th, and 6th from 10AM -5PM.

Machine - John Barhydt

"My latest study is entitled “Machine”

We wake up in the morning to the “alarm” machine.

We prepare our meals using “food” machines.

We go across town in our “transport” machines.

We work every day with machines.

Machines are all around us, and we are all around them."

John Barhydt

Come see John's newest series of work at Gateway Gallery next Friday April 16, 2010 from 6-9. We will be serving wine from John's very own winery called Three Squirrel's Winery and appetizers from Mazara's. As always, a good time will be had by all.

Queeny Art Fair 2010

Come see the Gateway Artists and their fabulous art work at The Art Fair at Queeny Park this weekend April 9-11. There will be wine tasting Friday night and fun activities for the kids on Sunday all in the midst of original art work for sale. You don't even have to worry about the weather because this fair is indoors! We are looking forward to seeing you!

Inteview with the Artist - John Barhydt

What is your “day job” if you have one?

I’ve spent the past 30 years in the Information Systems field, in roles ranging from computer programmer to management positions. Over the past couple of years I’ve developed a niche in the cost structure of large organizations. That’s my weekday job. Recently a couple of us decided that it would be fun to rehab an old winery in St. James, Missouri – so now I have a “weekend” job.

What draws you to the medium you use, and who are your greatest artistic influences?
The world is full of beauty and surprises. I enjoy seeing the details of the world around me, and then attempting to capture the grandeur in my camera. This trait probably goes back to my childhood when we would visit my Grandfather’s house and he would always have a tray of slides ready to show us. He would narrate a story about the places he had been and the people he had met. Capturing moments and places on film, and then telling stories using photography has always seemed normal to me. Over the years I’ve had several friends with a shared interest in photography from whom I’ve learned a lot. In terms of influence from the big names - Ansel Adams comes to mind as influencing my artistic outlook, not only for his spectacular landscape pictures, but for his ability to master the craft of the entire process from negative to print. His encouragement to master the technical aspects of the darkroom as part of the art process is inspiring to me.

What music do you listen to while creating?
Mostly I don’t listen to music while I’m shooting since most of my shooting takes place outdoors. When I’m creating the print in my office/studio, I’ll listen to a rather wide variety of music - how about a mix of Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Miles Davis, and Mozart?

Where is your studio and what is it like?
My office is in my home, and is equipped with a Mac G5, a Canon IPF5000 printer, EIZO monitor for color calibration, and various books, supplies and camera gear. OK..truth is that my studio is small and cluttered. Next question please.

What hobbies do you have?
I’ve been racing a vintage BMW for about 10 years, and have learned a bit about how to build, fix, and maintain racecars. Here is a bit of trivia: Gateway Gallery artist Ron Flier was my first high-speed driving school instructor. My wife and I enjoy traveling cross-country, either on a motorcycle or in a convertible. I’ve developed beer and wine making from a kit-based hobby to full-grain home brew and winery ownership, both of which are challenging but can have tasty outcomes. I enjoy building and construction, provided I have an expert on the job to keep me from messing up too badly. I also dabble in woodworking.

Why is art important?
Art reminds us that life isn’t as awful as some in the media would have us believe it is.


What is the best museum/ art gallery/ art exhibit you have ever been to?
The best one is probably the last one I visited – I enjoy nearly every museum/gallery I visit. The Smithsonian is a wonderful place to connect with the past. Similar, with a German flare, is the Deutsches Museum in Munich. San Francisco, New York, and Munich all sport excellent modern art museums, and I’ve never had a bad day at the St. Louis Art Museum. For the photographer, the Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History in Pittsburgh is a must-see.

Do you have pets? Tell about them.

My wife and I currently have three cats at home, and have been adopted by two barn cats at the winery. Two of our house cats are mutts from the shelter. The smallest one is a basket of energy that loves my art. No - actually he loves my printer. Whenever I start printing, he will run into the room, jump up on the printer and share in the print-creation process. The second cat squarely fits the definition of a lap cat that thinks he is part dog, always running to greet us when we come home from work. The third cat is the closest to an “official breed” bred cat that we have. We adopted him after a tragedy in his former people’s family. He reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously because he is obviously “cooler” than we can ever hope to be.