“The smallest feline is a masterpiece”
—Leonardo da Vinci
Women have modeled their black eye makeup after the gorgeous, well-defined piercing eyes of a feline since ancient times. Their silky fur in various colors and designs has inspired fashion items. The combination of a svelte figure, a tinge of arrogance, and entrancing walk influenced the term “cat walk,” a place where the epitome of beauty is paraded.
Felines truly are works of art and carriers of great aesthetic appeal. Even the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, a genius whose love for animals led him to adopt plant-based diet, referred to them as masterpieces.
Throughout the modern world, cats have continued to animate the artistic realm for they never cease to enchant people. Now, POPCats is celebrating felines, and their magical appeal, with an exhibition of pop art at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, the pop art capital of the world. The event will benefit The Cat Network, one of the oldest organizations in Florida dedicated to reducing the number of homeless cats. Besides art installations, the show, which will take place a day right before National Cat Day, on October 28, 2017, will purrsent an adorable feline lounge with furry babies to adopt, speakers from cat welfare organizations, and an assortment of vendors featuring the most innovative cat products in the market.
Organizers, brother and sister duo Edgar Alexander and Johana Flores, conceived of the event in order to bring together local cat lovers to enjoy their shared passion for felines. They explained why they were inspired to create POPCats: “We want To build a community of cat crazy people like us. They are all over the place, among us every single day; it’s your math teacher, the barber, the DJ at the club, your best friend, your favorite artist. POPCats is our chance to get together, have fun, learn, adopt, and experience.”
They further described why it’s a good idea to have events like this one. “Dog lovers are very visible, and you can spot them at parks and on the streets, but cat lovers rarely have a chance to meet each other because not all cats can walk on a leash. POPCats will give them a chance not only for cat lovers to meet each other but, most importantly, for curious people to get to experience cats, to understand them in a fun way and hopefully become a cat lover. The stronger the cat lover community becomes, the better it gets for cats, both at home and on the streets, as more people would be receptive about their welfare.”
If you’re interested in brining a new furry family member into your home, this would be a great place to find one. Cat overpopulation is an issue in Miami, and for cat lovers seeing homeless kitties is heartbreaking. Luckily there are a few advocate organizations dedicating to making life better for these feline creatures that bring us so much joy. The Cat Network and Operation PAW will both be in attendance with speakers to represent them on hand. Along with advocates, other guest speakers include Joann Biondi known as the Lorenzo the Cat Photographer. She is a feline art photographer who recently curated a photo gallery depicting the cats of Cuba for National Geographic. Another champion for feline fur babies is Brandon Zarala of Apollo Peak, a company known for its cat snacks and “cat wine.”
And, no dogs allowed!
POPCats will take place Saturday October 28, 2017 at the Miami Airport Convention Center from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information visit popcatsshow.com.
Miami Airport Convention Center
711 NW 72nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126
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