MONROE — Main Street Monroe is proud to announce its newest public art installation. Ten buildings throughout the downtown district, including Buehler Interiors’, Creative Photography’s, and the Monroe Theatre Guild, all recently had alley cats painted on them. The work, including designs, was done by Suzanne Miller (of Green Chicks Studio). 

Main Street Monroe’s Executive Director Jordan Nordby noted that Main Street first started working on public art and improving downtown aesthetics through murals a couple years ago.

When everything turned upside down this year because of the pandemic, Main Street decided to add another project. Miller, who painted three chairs last year for Main Street’s Musical Chairs on the Square, found herself with more time than anticipated. Following conversations with Main Street’s Events & Promotions Committee, alley cats were decided on as a downtown figure. 

“Alley cats are sort of a universal image, but the work Sue did really plays off each building,” Nordby said. The cat behind JoAnne’s dress shop is wearing a dress and has high heels on it, while the one behind Creative Photography plays off of Monroe’s heritage.

Another goal of the project, which was underwritten by Radio Shack/US Cellular of Monroe, was to create something that would be family friendly during the pandemic. Families can explore the downtown spots without concern about being in an indoor space or next to a ton of other people. Nordby notes that they were somewhat strategic in which buildings were used, although it largely depending on what property owners were willing to participate. 

While nothing has yet been created, finding the mini murals can be a sort of scavenger hunt. All the cats were painted on such places as doors or boarded windows.