"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.

From Bill and Amy at The Seen Gallery…

The Public Art Bicycle Safari is beginning it’s second year. This morning, bike riders began at The Seen Gallery to explore some of the oldest neighborhoods in Decatur and Atlanta and discover wall murals, sculpture and art parks. The Seen Gallery, now located in downtown Decatur, is once again hosting the start and finish of the ride. Beginning at 9:00 am, riders were invited to view the Seen Gallery art exhibit, have some coffee and Danish, and enjoy the new gallery space. Java Monkey, new fence and all, gave the riders an extra boost with $1.00 coffee for the Safariers (is that a word?). The course is 20 miles long with moderate hills and lots of stops to view the public art. The course is never far from a MARTA train station. The Next planned ride is May 31, starting in the morning from the Gallery.

Bill at the Seen Gallery reports on future plans for his old space at Scottish Rite…

Well.. Well.. Well.. no surprise here. When we were told by PRI (Progressive Redevelopemnt Inc) in July that they were looking at taking the space that The Seen Gallery occupied in a new direction.. we can’t help but wonder if this is what they knew was on tap (pun intended).

Recently posted on www.palatewinebar.com:

McGowan’s Pub Coming Soon in 2009: new sister restaurant next door to Palate Café. Comfort food in a casual Oakhurst enclave meant to evoke the experience of a Sunday lunch or supper at home. Cozy and bright interior, accessible fare, 22 beers on draught, 100 beers in a bottle; neighborhood hangout and dining destination. Will be open 11am to 1am. Sign up for email updates on the Contact page for the latest news about McGowan’s Pub.

Carl forwards the announcement…

The Seen Gallery will celebrate its “grand reopening” with a group show featuring painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, etchings, hand-blown glass and limited edition prints on Saturday, March 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. in its new spacious location in Downtown Decatur. Guests are invited to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while exploring the new space and viewing various works from The Seen Gallery’s diverse pool of artists.

The Seen Gallery is reopening in the former T-Mobile and Two Stix spaces in the Townsquare Condos along Church St.