On Tap: An Art Fair with a Twist

An art fair with a different twist—perhaps a lemon twist —is on tap for Sunday, June 26.

CatNap from the Heart is sponsoring its first Martinis and Art fund-raiser from 1-5 p.m. at Blue Water Martini Lounge, 9016 W. 31^st St., Brookfield.

CatNap from the Heart, a non-profit animal shelter at 1101 Beach Ave., La Grange Park, is a limited-access shelter for cats, birds and small mammals. It is important to know that the shelter provides space and does not euthanize any animal. Under the guidance of Bobbi Meyer and her loving staff, the organization has grown by leaps and bounds (and meows) the past several years. All pets live comfortably at CatNap or in a foster home until the right human companion comes along. There is no time limit for any animal. CatNap from the Heart is committed to finding the right home and to taking the time to carefully match the needs and the personalities of both people and adopted animals.

Its creative staff is continually seeking ways to raise funds for the costs of operating the shelter and caring for their charges. Tossing around ideas one day, they came upon Martinis and Art. The organization began asking people for donations of art objects. As the word spread among the supporters of CatNap, so did the donations. The idea blossomed into the upcoming fair. So far, more than 100 pieces of art have been donated for the event. You will find everything from prints, oils, watercolors, posters, framed and unframed, vintage (old) landscapes, animals and modern art.

Gail Aardema, assistant to Meyer and the go-to person at the shelter, said, “Seriously, you name a form of art, we probably have at least one example of it.”

Pricing will be fair, less than at a juried art fair. All proceeds will help fund kitten spays and neuters and vaccinations. The $10 admission will provide an entry into the split-the-pot raffle. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a cash bar.

Bring in a photo of your pet and Katie McDermott, a local artist, will draw a caricature for you. She will be available from 2-4 p.m.

I stopped by the shelter on June 18 to preview some of the donations. While there, the CatNap Garage Sale was going on and the place was buzzing with people and loaded with treasures to buy. Whenever I go to CatNap, I am energized by the enthusiasm of the staff. Everyone is happy to talk with you about a particular critter, and they are well-versed in the personality of each of the cats. If you have not walked into the shelter, it is a sight to behold—all those sets of eyes, peering at you, wondering about you.

For an art fair with a different twist, stop in at Blue Water Martini Lounge. The garden and the art will welcome you. For more information, go to catnapfromtheheart.org