In Memphis, the Midtown neighborhood is known for its artsy, eclectic vibe. While a number of the city's best galleries can be found around Midtown, there are just a small handful of spaces in the Cooper Young neighborhood - until now.
How much is that painting in the window? Allie Cat Arts has a knack of exhibiting the good stuff for passersby to see. — Photo courtesy of Sally Walker Davies
Allie Cat Arts is a small gallery newly opened in a prime spot in Cooper Young, just across from the wildly popular Beauty Shop restaurant and just south of the intersection for which the area is named. The former teacher who opened this space – just a few small rooms – seems dedicated to the work of those artists not seen as frequently in Memphis galleries, and that's a sure treat. From gorgeous glass pendants to whimsically re-purposed computer monitors to a variety of works in metal, pottery and paint, Allie Cats feels like a bit of an arts festival - albeit one without craft disguising itself as art or the hefty price tag of other galleries.
Dogs are welcome at the store, provided they won't chew on the art, and the friendly welcome from the owner is reason enough to pop in. Hours are limited to Thursday - Sunday, with an unusual (for Memphis) closing time of 7 pm. on Sunday - gotta love that - and appointments outside of shop hours are welcome.
