Art and nature are coming together to help out the cats of the Okanagan with the fourth annual gallery Open House at Terry Isaac’s home gallery.
The world-renowned wildlife artist, is partnering with the AlleyCATS Alliance, a local organization who provide rescue, rehabilitation, medical care and adoption services to feral and orphaned cats and kittens in the Okanagan Valley.
Read more: Penticton Meadowlark Festival recognizes Isaac
A limited edition glicee canvas print of a bobcat kitten entitled Peekaboo is getting raffled off at the open house. A $10 raffle ticket gets you a chance to win the framed piece with all the proceeds going towards the AlleyCATS Alliance, with the draw taking place Dec. 11.
Isaac’s artwork is heavily influenced by nature, painting myriad landscapes and animals. While he confesses he is not a professional photographer, Isaac captured a photo while taking shots for reference material in Montana and got a picture of a captive bobcat kitten put into its natural environment.
“It was just very frisky like a domestic cat, and it was pawing at this weed. I took several photos of it and after I reviewed my reference I thought it would make an ideal subject for a painting,” Isaac said. “It kind of lends itself to the AlleyCATS, because it’s a lot like a domestic kitten, it has a lot of the traits of a little kitty. I thought it was charming it was pawing at a weed like a little kitten. I thought it was a good piece for them to benefit from.”
A professional artist of 30 years, Isaac has a penchant for painting nature.
“I really like animals and so I thought it would be nice to help them out again,” Isaac said. “I teach, and one of my students was doing a painting for a calendar for (AlleyCATS Alliance) and that kind of reminded me of their need to get some financial help, I’m happy to help,” Isaac said.
At the open house will be holiday goodies, food, wine from Three Sisters Winery, new artwork by Isaac for sale including original paintings, cards, calendars, mugs and more.
“I think it feels great. It’s a nice fit because they care about animals, I care about animals. Their specific about domestic animals and I’m happy to help both domestic and wild animals,” Isaac said.
The open house takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Isaac’s home gallery at 475 Upper Bench Rd. on Dec. 10 and 11.
“The work that we do at AlleyCATS Alliance has an incredible impact on controlling the feral cat population and awareness is key for our organization and there continues to be a great demand,” said Theresa Nolet, vice president of the AlleyCATS Alliance.
Raffle tickets can be purchased online as well at TerryIsaacsart.com or call 250-492-6590.