Different Strokes

While they were at Deerhurst, the World Leaders had a brush with greatness. Each was invited to add their own brushstrokes to a huge mural of Tom Thompson's famous West Wind. This, instead of a bunch of names on a poster, is to be the permanent record of their visit, housed in the Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville. Next to it are the brushes used, beautifully framed and surmounted by the nation flags. It's lovely.

It was a good choice. The leaders, once they understood the concept, and under the direction of artist Gerry Lantaigne dove into the project with enthusiasm. Italian President Berlusconi was all set to sign his masterpiece, in the style of Michelangelo. As you can see, some went for the high, bold brush strokes, some were more detailed, but all were there with gusto and good will.

Art brings out the best in folks.

And in cats.

While the World Leaders were getting their paintbrushes into the act at Deerhurst, we are delighted to report that Napster was hard at work with his own art career. He recently brought out a limited edition of art prints of his first eight tail-painted pieces, as well as note cards. The note cards sold like crazy -- many to the G8 personnel staying here that week. Napster will need to get them reprinted before summer gets much farther along in order to meet demand! One of his originals, Ascending, has been selected to be auctioned off at the Stewart Memorial Church fund raiser later this summer. He is delighted to be supporting the cause, and Church mice everywhere.

Several of the area vets have offered to carry his line of cards. Things could be heating up for the cat. He might be on to something.

Proceeds from Napster's sales will go the Charity of his choice, currently A Wing and a Prayer Bird Rescue, to atone for his past misdemeanors.

This piece is titled "Dolphins Chase the Moon." It frames up fabulously. The bold brush strokes and sense of movement... but I digress...

We're a little surprised to find his works being mentioned in the same post as the more serious art that went on at the Summit, but art knows no borders, and is no respector of rank. It is said that a Cat may look at a Queen, so why shouldn't Napster's artistic endeavors be showcased alongside the G8 Leaders? After all, life should never be taken too seriously.

He is accepting orders for his works, through this Blog. He points out, however, that the brush HE uses is NOT going to put into any frame, anytime soon, no matter how impressive it would look.