What's new at Sleepy Cat Studio

To anyone visiting my hometown of Nashville, Indiana, I recommend a visit to Gallery by the Green. It’s a unique little place tucked around the corner, a tiny bit off the trodden path on Jefferson Street. The two-story white frame house once belonged to the town’s doctor who had his office on the first floor. The place exudes history that you won’t find in slick city galleries.

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.

A visitor to the gallery can find on any given day: ceramics (including wall vases suspended from fanciful swirls), gourd art, mosaics, jewelry, textiles, baskets and birdhouses. And of course paintings done in watercolor, oil, acrylics, and mixed media. That’s just scratching the surface. You really never know what you’ll find there; the inventory changes as artists bring in new treasures. Absolutely not to be missed are Joe’s photographs of the Southwest and local Indiana scenes, including a series of covered bridges portraits.

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?

All kidding aside, Gallery by the Green is truly a unique gem in the hills of Brown County. No Made in China stickers here, just lots of honest to goodness real live art. And two super nice folks who can tell you all about it. So stop in and say hi!