Though there are plenty of furry felines about, the artists at Cathouse Gallery prefer human models.
It may have something to do with the subjects’ being able to stand still.
Cathouse Gallery, located at Comfy Cat Boarding Kennels in Qualicum Bay, is holding its first major exhibition, said owner Sheena McCorquodale.
The exhibit, Faces from the Cathouse, is based on work created during the gallery’s weekly life drawing sessions.
About 10 artists gather to paint, sketch and otherwise render the likeness of a model — often a local, and sometimes a last-minute deal made with someone at a local bar, said McCorquodale.
“I’m kind of well-known for, ‘Oh no, the model hasn’t shown up,’ so I run to the bar and drag home somebody,” she said with a laugh.
It’s not difficult to convince people to model (fully clothed) she said. “We pay them $40 and a glass of wine,” she said with another laugh.
Having models pose for two 50-minute sessions each night, artists have lots of opportunity to develop, said McCorquodale.
“These are artists that have pretty substantial backgrounds to begin with, but the weekly drawing definitely has upped their game,” she said.
The exhibit runs from March 17-April 1 with an opening reception March 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cathouse Gallery is located at 5320 Island Hwy. W.
For more info, go to sites.google.com/site/cathousegallery/home.
