Chamain O’Mahony, artist and proprietor of The Creole Cat, enjoys reaching out to tourists, cat lovers, locals and people who know what it means to miss New Orleans. O’Mahony says her goal is to “make people laugh, or at least smile,” with her whimsical acrylic paintings that depict her tuxedo cat, Little One, who “sits in front of my canvas and stares at me.” O’Mahony, who has always loved to paint and draw, describes her art as “fun, colorful, whimsical.” She started her business in the year 2000 and since then has sold hundreds of paintings. An avid supporter of cat rescue, O’Mahony is also the adoption coordinator and a volunteer for Animal Rescue New Orleans and avidly encourages fans to adopt furry friends.
As December is a month of gift-giving and football, The Creole Cat’s latest prints include “Purrple & Gold,” “The Who Dat Cat,” and the “Purr-de-Lis.” Items are also available for purchase on O’Mahony’s website. The site also lists a number of local galleries where her works can be found.
Information, www.thecreolecat.com.
French Market for the holidays
The French Market is a local mainstay in the Crescent City, drawing hundreds of visitors each day. The market district encompasses six blocks in the Lower French Quarter, just steps away from the Mississippi River. It began in 1791 as a trading post and now features 20 retail shops, restaurants, cafes, a flea market, a farmers market and performance venues that are often the host of free concerts and special events. Last month, the market celebrated the kickoff of the holiday season with a Christmas Tree lighting, and this month will host a Saint Nicholas Day Fair on Dec. 4, featuring an afternoon of free kids’ activities, live music and photos with Saint Nicholas in Dutch Alley.
A parade will also take place, starting at Canal Street with a French Market parade heading down Decatur Street.
This month – as usual – the French Market is filled with unique gifts and friendly vendors. It is open each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Information, 522-2621, www.frenchmarket.org.
