Sparky is the Cat of the Month for August
Sparky is one of Sage’s kids, he’s got her long hair but is totally different personalitywise. Well, they both bite, so they have that in common as well. Sparky is big and beautiful, and he knows it. He walks around with his fluffy tail floating along behind him and poses strategically in sunny windows so his white ruff is lit up. Unfortunately he has lost a front upper fang, sometimes giving him a demonic, sneering look when his upper lip gets caught by his lower fang. He’s fairly sociable and would be happy to be carried around like an infant prince all day. Like some royalty, he has his mood swings and is also happy to sink his teeth into you when he feels like it.
Pogo (who you will meet later) is Sparky’s pal; they often snuggle together in the window seat at the top of the stairs, or wash each other’s face on the bed. One day I was sharing the window seat with them, looking through a book on Monet—seeking inspiration. I took a break, laying the book down, and came back to find Pogo resting his head on it. So the book inspired me, though not quite as I had planned. The result is “Monet’s Cats” which I feel is one of my very best works. You can also see this pair in “A Quiet Moment Between Two Friends” as they keep watch over the backyard.
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There’s still time to go see my paintings in the 
Sage is another cat from Spencer, Indiana. She was one of three feral kittens we tried to capture and tame, having success with two. Sage looks like a miniature Maine Coon cat—long hair, tabby markings, fuzzy feet. She’s a shy kitty, friendly with us but quick to remind us of her wild side with a fast paw packed with claws. 
Like many a young girl, I fell in love with horses. I read every horse story I could find—happily transported to the fields of Wyoming or the dusty race tracks of Kentucky. Joining up this passion with my other love—art—I learned to draw horses pretty well, from the delicate Arabians to the sturdy Belgians. But in the years since I’ve taken up painting I haven’t had much opportunity to put horses in my work—until now.
To anyone visiting my hometown of 
But the heart of this gallery are Joe and Charlotte Gore, the artists and owners of this little gem. Everyone who stops in is greeted as an old friend, which many of the visitors are. Over the years, Joe and Charlotte have strived to fill their gallery with art and fine crafts that are unique to their corner of Nashville. Much of the art is produced by local artists, myself included. 
Okay, I admit it, one reason why I’m touting Gallery by the Green is because they have an awful lot of my stuff there. But obviously (hopefully) if you’ve found your way here it’s because you have some interest in my art and what I do. So what unique Monique treasures can you find at the gallery? Well, several paintings, prints and cards—many of which aren’t shown on my Web site, including tiny (2"X3") paintings! You’ll also find my hand-painted bookmarks, jewelry, and hand-painted wineglasses. With spring’s arrival, I delivered a bouquet of felted rose pins—they look great on a lapel or purse to add a dash of colorful whimsy. When the chilly winds blow, I bring in armfuls of thick, cozy scarves—hand crocheted with multiple yarns in an array of colors. Joe and Charlotte are amazingly willing to give most things I bring in a whirl—maybe they really believe in me as an artist, or could it be all the fresh eggs and flowers from my garden that I keep bringing them?