Cats, particularly those of the black variety, will be in the spotlight at a Halloween Youth Art Market later this month in Okotoks.
About 20 students from the Inspiration Studio Academy of Fine Art will have their work up for sale at the market, which will be held Oct. 26 and 27 at Main Street Market in Olde Towne.
Academy founder Robin Thibodeau, an admitted animal lover, said black cats often get a bad rap so she wanted to counter that by showcasing them at the show.
“Black cats are not bad luck, they actually have a lot of good qualities,” Thibodeau said.
Her students, ranging in age from eight to 16, are creating all kinds of cat-related art, from toys and scratchers to masks, collectibles and paper mâché cats.
The academy, which hosts summer and Christmas markets at the Elks Hall every year, is getting into the Halloween spirit with what Thibodeau calls a ‘mini market’ to help new students get their feet wet.
Most of what will be on display, which will include some of Thibodeau’s work, will be for sale, although the teacher said some students are still struggling with that concept.
“Some of them are torn. They want to sell because they want the money, but they also don’t want to give up their art,” she said. “I’m encouraging them to make lots so they can sell what they don’t love as much.”
The market will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with students in attendance from noon to 3 p.m. There will be an opening reception, complete with Halloween-themed refreshments, from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 26.
There will be draws for two prize baskets filled with art supplies and pet treats.
Thibodeau, who adopted two dogs recently, said partial proceeds from the market will support animal rescues in the area.
The academy’s Christmas show will be held on Dec. 14 at Elks Hall.
