How to Support Local Artists in Your Community
Investing in the arts is one of the best ways to foster a positive sense of community in your area. Many people want to become active in their communities by supporting local artists, but they are unsure of how to do it. Don’t be intimidated! There are many easy ways that you can support your local artists.
The most direct way to support your favorite artists is to become a patron. By going to local art shows and buying art from those artists whose work inspires you, you will benefit from a personal relationship with those artists and the knowledge that your support dramatically encourages them in their craft. For an emerging artist, the feeling that you like their work enough to want to own it can make all the difference.
Following a local gallery or community center can be a great way to learn about emerging talent. This is the best way to stay informed about upcoming events where local artists will be featured. Following artists individually on social media and sharing their work with others is a great way to support their progress. In the past, many artists had to rely on galleries to market and sell their work. While a positive relationship with a gallery can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be a barrier to entry for young artists. Social media has become a powerful tool with which many artists have been able to transform their passion into a profession. By following their careers online, you can be a part of their growth.
Offering support for the fine arts programs in local schools is another opportunity to grow the arts in your community. Most artists discover their passion during this period in their lives, and if we fail to support them during these critical years, that passion may wither on the vine. Whether you have children or not, you’re paying taxes to support public education, and you can influence how those funds are allocated by supporting these programs in your local government.
Supporting your local artists is supporting the growth of your community. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the progression of your favorite artist’s career encouraged by your support, as a favorite piece of art has become a smart financial investment.
Best Cat Breeds if You Have Kids
Having a cat can teach kids to be respectful of animals while also providing them with a sense of responsibility. Each cat has its own distinct personality, but certain breeds more commonly display traits that can make them suitable for children. Here are five of the best cat breeds to get if you have kids.
Burmese Cats
Burmese cats are known for being social and affectionate, which makes them an ideal cat to have in a family. These cats are also inquisitive and will love to explore your home. If you get a Burmese cat as a kitten, you can expect it to stay energetic well into adulthood. Some even like to play fetch. Because of their social nature, these cats are best suited to a household where people will be home throughout the day.
Exotic Shorthair Cats
Exotic Shorthair cats are descended from the Persian breed. Unlike Persians, they have a dense, short coat. They’re known for being gentle, calm, and patient. Although Exotic Shorthairs are very loyal and enjoy spending time sitting in their human companion’s laps, they also love to play. If left alone, they can happily entertain themselves with a toy.
Maine Coon Cat
Maine Coon cats are easy to recognize because of their large size and long fur. These cats are very inquisitive and like to be around their human companions. At the same time, they tend to be independent and are okay with being left alone for periods of time. Additionally, they’re very relaxed and easygoing, so they don’t mind being picked up. Generally, they get along well with other pets.
Abyssinian Cats
Known for being affectionate and loyal, these shorthaired cats tend to develop strong bonds with their human companions. Abyssinian cats are energetic and love attention, so they make great playmates. They’re also very intelligent, which makes them easy to train, and because of their short coats, they require very little grooming.
Birman Cats
Birman cats tend to be exceedingly friendly and easygoing. This breed is identifiable by its blue eyes and medium-length coat. They love to receive affection from adults and children and enjoy spending time with their human companions. If you have a cat-friendly dog, Birman cats can be a good option as their mellow nature means they get along with other animals.
Tips to Train Your Cat
Getting a new cat means taking on the responsibility of training your pet. A properly trained cat can provide companionship and joy, but a poorly trained cat can lead to hours of frustration. Follow these suggestions to ensure you and your cat have a happy life together.
Getting Your Cat to Use a Litter Box
This may be the simplest aspect to training your cat, because cats are clean creatures by their nature. As such, they like to bury their waste, so the litter box is an ideal situation for them. To begin, select an enclosed room and place a clean and prepared litter box in the room. Next, place the cat in the litter box, which should not have an enclosure. If the cat steps outside the box to relieve itself, pick up the waste and place it inside the box. Once the cat sees you place the waste in the litter box, confine the cat in that room. Within a couple of days, your new cat should be trained to use the litter box independently.
Behavioral Modification
The best way to train a cat to stop the destructive behavior is through positive reinforcement. Smacking the cat for clawing the furniture, for instance, will only confuse the animal. He or she will have difficulty understanding what the punishment was for, because sharpening its claws is just a natural act. Instead, get the cat an object that it can claw, such as a scratching post. Try demonstrating to the cat what you want it to do and, when it does use the scratching post, be sure to reward it. This may take several attempts, but, eventually, the cat will learn.
Eliminate Aggression
You can also train your cat to stop aggressive behavior. If he or she claws and bites when playing, make a loud noise to startle the animal. A loud hiss or a bang on a table may do the trick. Once the cat has been startled, walk away and stop playing. After a few times, your cat will get the hint.
While these are the best methods for training your cat, they won’t always work. A stubborn cat may take more time and effort in training away bad behavior. If you feel as though you’ve made the extra effort and have seen no results, consult your veterinarian. He may be able to recommend other methods or may refer you to a professional trainer who can help.
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel10
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel8
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel 8
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
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Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel 6
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel5
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel4
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel3
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel2
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
Nina Nandy’s Cat Lionel
A Word From Nina Nandy’s Cat
Hi, my name is Lionel and I am a long haired tuxedo likely Maine Coon mix with giant kitten mittens and a big fluffy tail. I was a stray roaming the mean streets of Albuquerque until the age of one and a half when I was picked up by Animal Humane and neutered. My 
human mommy, Nina Nandy, came in to meet me and though she was very sweet I was scared. Nina took me home and I was nervous because I had never lived inside before. She gave me lots of love and treats and toys but I would hide and one day I saw a way out and I ran away! I know she was very worried about me and put up flyers all over town and even went door to door looking for me. It took a few months and animal control picked me up and put me in the west side shelter and because I was microchipped Nina was able to find me again. Now I know to never run away again because I have the best life ever! I have all the cuddles, snuggles and treats a kitty could ever have and all the best toys! I particularly enjoy my giant black and white cat tree because it matches my colors, my window seat where I can catch all the sun I want, getting hair all over everything particularly clean laundry and generally being naughty. =^.^= Check out pictures, videos and the latest antics of me, Lionel the snugglisest, most mischievous kitty in the world !
