“For the Love of Cats!” an art exhibition at La Chicharra Studio in Brownsville featuring 16 artists and benefiting Murphy’s Safe Haven, will open with a reception at 6 p.m. Friday.
The show, curated by artist Melina Muñoz Kosturakis, features cat-themed pieces.
Kosturakis said the idea for the show came from having to foster two cats that were left at her front door. Already having two cats at her apartment, which is the maximum allowed, she found herself trying to find homes for the two foster kittens.
“Through Facebook, I discovered groups and in those groups, they helped cats,” Kosturakis said. “I noticed it was like a tight network of people. … They just have good intentions and their love for animals. … They helped me find someone that could take care of it really fast.”
Inspired by people’s willingness to help and Murphy’s Safe Haven, a nonprofit, the artist came up with “For the Love of Cats!”
Upon hearing the idea, Ruby Garza, director for La Chicharra Studio, immediately agreed to it.
“It’s going to be a great exhibition,” Garza, current owner of seven cats, told The Rider. “It’s a collaboration where curator, artists and community are coming together for a good cause. We have seen the need of shelters, especially for cats, because we have so many on the streets.”
“For the Love of Cats!” will be La Chicharra Studio’s ninth exhibition since opening on June 26, 2021. The venue also offers workshops, private events and personal studios.
Alejandra Martinez, an exhibition artist, told The Rider she decided to get involved since it is for a good cause.
“I have three [cats], so that’s why I really like this,” Martinez said.
She wishes she had the time to create a cat-themed artwork but was already in the process of working on a new piece, which will be shown at the exhibition.
“That’s the beauty about the show,” Martinez said. “We can probably expect to see some pieces that are varied in subjects.”
The reception will feature live music by Guillermo Hernandez, a Brownsville musician.
“Hopefully, it’s something that becomes popular and, hopefully, something that we can do every year,” Kosturakis said.
After Friday’s reception, the exhibit, at 1400 E. Madison St., Suite 3, may be seen by appointment from noon to 5 p.m. through Oct. 13. Admission is free. To set up an appointment, call 621-2366, or direct message La Chicharra Studio on Instagram @lachicharrastudio.
