"Hey! Stop Your Smooching! Its My B-Day!"

Pete the Cat is turning 10! And his showroom of choice, The Seen Gallery, is planning a summer celebration surrounding Decatur’s most famous blue cat.

Caren at The Seen Gallery sends out the invitation, since Pete lacks opposable thumbs to do it himself…

THE SEEN GALLERY PRESENTS JAMES DEAN: “A DECADE OF PETE”
Honoring the 10th Anniversary of Pete the Cat

On Display June 13 through July 29, 3009

Opening Night Reception on Saturday, June 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring Complimentary Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres

Atlanta, Georgia (April 29, 2009) – The Seen Gallery is proud to host James Dean’s newest series of paintings, “A Decade of Pete,” on display Saturday, June 13 through Wednesday, July 29, 2009. The exhibition honors the 10th anniversary of “Pete the Cat,” the scrawny cat who became a beloved member of Dean’s household and the inspiration for his paintings in 1999. Co-owners of The Seen Gallery, Bill Bibb and Amy Bradford, will host an opening night reception to celebrate the exhibit on Saturday, June 13 from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

As one of Atlanta’s most beloved artists, James Dean’s creations are instantly recognizable.  He is well known for incorporating “Pete the Cat” into likenesses of famous art works and artists in his paintings. “Pete the Cat,” a local icon for many years, has burst on the national art scene and continues to bring a smile to children and adults alike.  Recently published in the children’s book, Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes, by Eric Litwin, Dean’s artwork continues to garner national attention and praise.

“We have represented James since opening as a fine art gallery.  The journey with James and his art through these seven years has been one of the things that make the gallery business worthwhile,” says The Seen Gallery Co-owner Bill Bibb.

“It’s been a simple thing,” says Dean. “It’s just touched people and that’s really what it’s all about on any level. It makes people smile. I’m an artist who makes people smile.”

For more information about James Dean and Pete the Cat, please visit www.petethecat.com.