Harold Sims, aka The Catman, is looking for sponsors, artists and other people participate in a painted cat project.

Similar to the brightly colored bears in Cherokee, Sims hopes to feature the life-size cats in shops around Western North Carolina. A sponsor could be a business or any interested person. The cost of the unpainted cats will be about $150 each. Once the cats are delivered, talented artists will be needed to paint them.

“I am also asking people who might not wish to be a sponsor to donate an object of art to include in the auction. These items may be cat-related or not and could be a: picture, pottery, sculpture, or anything artsy and worthy of bringing a good price,” Sims said.

The date of the auction is yet to be set.

828.293.0892 or www.catman2.org.