Anyone who loves art, cats, technology, or just trying something new. This exhibition should be fun for the whole family. Tell them all about it, and follow us for updates on more to come.
During the Purrsonalities Exhibition visitors will be able to experience this collaborative art project both physically and virtually at the same time using their own mobile device or a borrowed device if needed.
Visitors will be given a link to our web application to visit on their mobile device and follow simple directions to use the camera to experience the art. You'll see 3D virtual art overlays on the physical portraits, animations, hear sounds, and interact using taps and swipes on the screen.
During the Opening Reception we will be auctioning the original portraits. We will be selling tickets to vote on various categories that will award the artists and cats during our opening reception as well. Limited Edition printed reproductions will be available during the two month exhibition. All of the proceeds raised through this event will benefit artists and the Lexington Humane Society.
25% Support for the Lexington Humane Society
20% Support for our Traditional Artists
20% Support for our Digital artists
20% Support for organizing the Purrsonalities Project (and hopefully future iterations)
15% Supporting the Artists' Attic
Purrsonalities will open May 2-June 29, 2025. This time coincides with some of the peak season for kittens, and is a great time to adopt. Our Opening Reception is May 2. The gallery will be open during the Artists' Attic operating hours of 12:00 - 4:00 PM Fridays & Saturdays. Artist talks and workshops will be held Sundays 3:00 - 6:00 PM.
RSVP to the Opening Receptions and let us know you're coming.
We are bringing together traditional and digital artists to collaborate on a physical image with a digital augmented reality (AR) overlay that expresses the personality and traits of an adoptable cat.
Artists were given the task of meeting and learning about the personalities of adoptable cats at the Lexington Humane Society. Together they chose cats to represent in their collaborations.
Because we want to represent adoptable cats, both aspects of the collaboration are being done in a short time, just a matter of a few weeks as all artists work together as a group. The group of artists give support and feedback to each other along the way.
Traditional artists are encouraged to keep the background simple and capture the essence of the cat's personality.
The digital and traditional artists will collaborate to make sure they are maintaining technical needs for the augmented reality (AR) to work while viewing the physical images.
Digital artists are encouraged to create AR elements and effects that further convey the personality of the cats, while also being efficient enough to run through our web application on mobile devices smoothly.
Hello!
My name is Shylo Silvenar. I am the creator and curator of Purrsonalities. This started as a small idea for my first grant that I was going to do all by myself, but after talking to so many interested artists and individuals that said they would like to be a part of it, I decided that a collaboration was more fun.
Since this is my first grant-funded project, I wanted to create something that I’m passionate about and confident I can bring to life. My work often focuses on mental health and overcoming challenges, and I strive to normalize conversations around these topics. Art is a powerful way to make a difference, even in small ways, and I hope this project does just that.
One thing I know can profoundly improve mental well-being is the companionship of a pet. Cats, in particular, are proven to offer emotional benefits. Personally, my cats have been a source of comfort and strength during some of the hardest moments in my life, and they frequently inspire my art. With Purrsonalities, I aim to advocate for these amazing animals while supporting local shelters during their busiest season, encouraging adoptions, and generating much-needed donations.
The augmented reality (AR) aspect of this project ties directly to my background in cross-reality development for architecture visualization, interactive games, and art. Before the pandemic, I led a collaborative called HVRE, where I guided community members in creating VR and AR projects. We exhibited those works proudly, and I’m bringing that same collaborative spirit here.
This project bridges traditional and digital art, two mediums that often seem worlds apart. I’m fascinated by the historical intersection of art and technology, and this project advances that conversation. By the end of this experience, I hope everyone experiences something extraordinary and gains a deeper understanding of the art spectrum—whether that’s traditional or digital.
Thanks again for joining me on this journey!
Sincerely,
Shylo Silvenar
P.S. I welcome questions and feedback as we get closer to Purrsonalities. Please feel free to contact me and I'll try to get back to you as quickly as possible.