Take a peek inside one Johnson City art gallery, where wordly ragdoll cats play second fiddle only to Lee Casbeer’s gorgeous paintings.
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Story and photographs by Denise L. Moore
What often beckons passersby into Lee Casbeer Fine Art in Johnson City? Not a sandwich-board-wearing employee strolling the sidewalk or a longhorn portrait special. Nope, it’s the site of a blue-eyed ragdoll cat in the window.
With those piercing blue eyes, how could anyone resist the temptation to come in and say “Hello”?
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Picasso, Sofia, Bogart, and Tigre in person. I was captivated by their personalities—and glamorous fur—as they welcomed me and my camera. We BOTH loved them. And the cats? They seemed, at least, to be captivated by the click of my camera’s shutter.
Hey, when you look this good, you can afford to love the camera.
Like most cats, dignity and class rule when Casbeer crewmembers are in the room. There are four felines in total, and they hail from places around the globe. Picasso comes from Italy; Sofia, from Kuwait; Bogart, Galveston; and Tigre . . . well, he’s a local, from Johnson City.
Casbeer supports the rescue of ragdoll cats and encourages others to do the same. Sofia and Bogart came via Merlin’s Hope: A Ragdoll and Maine Coon Rescue in Ennis, Texas. Merlin’s Hope rescues from shelters in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Kuwait.
“Tigre [the only non ragdoll] is a stray who showed up at our back door. She and Bogart immediately fell in love through the screen door,” said Casbeer. “I said we weren’t going to keep her, but the next thing I knew we were keeping her.”
Spoken like a true cat lover.
And while this purr-y bunch doesn’t collect a paycheck, the cats do earn their keep. That’s right. They’re not purely decorative.
“They add a nice spice of life to our gallery environment and help engage customers. Many repeat customers come back specifically to see the cats, or introduce them to their friends, and that even results in occasional sales,” said Casbeer.
They’re gracious hosts and hostesses, too.
“They help engage customers which frees me up some to continue my work,” said Casbeer. That’s helpful. After all, his is a working artist’s studio. When I dropped by, Casbeer was finishing up a stunning ballroom mural that is now on display in Frederickburg’s new Altstadt Brewery.
An interesting breed, ragdoll cats are loved for their docile temperament. They go floppy when picked up—just like a child’s ragdoll. Hence, the name and one rescue’s cheeky URL: floppycats.com. Many believe ragdolls are hypoallergenic and won’t shed. Alas, a little research disproves this. However, they do lack an undercoat, so they consequently shed a little less.
Ragdolls don’t have a fighting instinct and shouldn’t be left outside. A little larger than other cats, they grow until 3-4 years old. Most are great with children, they don’t mind being dressed up, carried, or hauled around in wagons and strollers.
But here’s the most glowing review of all: I fell in love with these cats and I’m a dog gal. No small wonder, then, that the breed is referred to as “dog-like cats” for their easygoing, companionable manner and expressive faces.
Seriously, what’s not to love?
Thus, if ever you’re in Johnson City, be sure to walk by Casbeer’s Fine Art. Sofia may draw you in as she naps in the front window. Bogart might offer a tour or even shamelessly demand attention. The sleepy Italian, Picasso, may decide to open his eyes to say hello.
And Tigre? Well, there’s nothing better for a traveler than a cozy chat with a knowledgeable local.
Explore More
The next monthly Johnson City Art Walk is slated for Saturday, July 29, 2019. The walk is always a lovely way to spend the evening, and Casbeer’s Fine Art will be open late, too!
> See also our 2018 story on the art walk scene.
Furthermore, Casbeer hosts occasional workshops as well as uninstructed monthly sketch nights on the third Wednesday of the month. For the latter, a hired model poses for the attending artists and enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Bring your own art supplies and $10 to cover model fees. To receive workshop and sketch night updates, subscribe to Casbeer’s newsletter by contacting him a info@LeeCasbeer.com.
