Clay for Cats
A fundraiser and auction of cat-themed pottery pieces benefiting Tiny Tigers and JC CatWatch
Over 20 ceramic artists donated their work. See it all on display at businesses around the Heights, then join us for the gala.
Art walk: Sept 30 - Oct 14 · Free
Gala and auction: Sat, Oct 17 · 6-9pm · $65
How It Works
Sept 30 - Oct 14 · Art Walk
Visit participating Heights businesses to see every piece in person. Some pieces can be bid on right where they’re displayed. Just write your bid on the sheet next to the piece. Bids start between $10-$25. Bidding closes Oct 14. If you win, we’ll contact you by email with payment and pickup details.
Oct 17 · Gala
All remaining pieces are auctioned at the gala. A ticket is required to attend and bid. If you win a piece, you must pay the night of the gala and take home the piece the same night.
Where the Money Goes
Every dollar goes to the cats
All proceeds benefit two Jersey City rescue groups:
Tiny Tigers
JC CatWatch
Find the Art
Take a stroll through the Heights and see the pieces in person. Each stop has its own hours, so check before you go.
Bid Now Around the Heights
Through Oct 14 · Bid where the piece is displayed
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Angel Webster
Planter: 3 × 3.5 × 3.5”
Saucer: 1 × 4.5 × 3.25”
📍On view and bidding at Atacama Clay Studio through Oct 14
My inspiration is from all our neighborhood cats (both feral and housed), which we all share.
As a private librarian, my job is to keep history clean and available for the future, but, as a potter, the greatest joy is to work with mud and get dirty and be a kid again.
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Atacama Clay Studio
Cat Cup: 3.25 × 4.5 × 4.25”
📍On view and bidding at Atacama Clay Studio through Oct 14
One of four pieces by Atacama Clay Studio members.
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Atacama Clay Studio
Mug Set: 4 × 3.5” ea.
📍On view and bidding at Atacama Clay Studio through Oct 14
Atacama Clay Studio is a full community hub for ceramic enthusiasts. The studio offers memberships, semester classes, one-time classes, workshops, and community events.
One of four pieces by Atacama Clay Studio members.
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Atacama Clay Studio
Cat Mug: 3.25 × 4.5 × 4.25”
📍On view and bidding at Atacama Clay Studio through Oct 14
One of four pieces by Atacama Clay Studio members.
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Rafael Gonzalez
Rocky: 8.5 x 7”
📍On view and bidding at Atacama Clay Studio through Oct 14
For my cat pieces I threw bellied vases on the wheel and shaped and carved them to look like a cat head. They’re inspired by the two beautiful cats I’ve had in my life: Rocky and Rio.
One of two pieces by Rafael.
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Rafael Gonzalez
Rio: 7 x 7.5”
📍On view and bidding at Atacama Clay Studio through Oct 14
Rafael González is a Jersey City-based potter who first sat at a potter's wheel last November and quickly fell in love with the art form. He draws inspiration from his Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage and Taíno symbolism, carving each of his pieces to give them a sense of individuality.
One of two pieces by Rafael.
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Jackson Domenech
Cat Bowl Set: 6 x 3.5” ea.
📍On view and bidding at Meow Mini Mart through Oct 14
Cat rescue has been really important to me since I was a child. All the cats I’ve ever owned have been rescues!
Jackson Domenech is a ceramicist located in Jersey City with a background in engineering and a history with various artistic media, they fell in love with ceramics in 2024.
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Karina Castellanos
Raku Blue Cat Vase: 8 × 6.5 × 2”
📍On view and bidding at Meow Mini Mart through Oct 14
Karina learned pottery in high school and picked it back up last year. Her cats, and the funny positions they twist themselves into, are a constant source of inspiration.
One of four pieces by Karina.
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Karina Castellanos
Cat on Dish: 5 × 6 x 6”
📍On view and bidding at Meow Mini Mart through Oct 14
This cat dish is a replica of a piece my sister-in-law bought for me from El Salvador. It reminds me of the artwork and craftsmanship of indigenous groups in Mexico and other Central American countries.
One of 4 pieces by Karina.
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Jennifer Herrera
Black Cat on Mug: 3.5 × 3 × 3”
📍On view and bidding at Meow Mini Mart through Oct 14
Jennifer Herrera is a truly eclectic soul. Trained as a painter, she discovered ceramics early in her multifaceted career spanning the arts and mental health. She established her studio in 2021 and has since devoted herself exclusively to pottery.
One of three pieces by Jennifer.
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Mariia Petrushko
Cat Bowl: 5 × 5 × 5”
📍On view and bidding at Cocoa Bakery through Oct 14
Mariia is a Ukrainian ceramics artist based in Jersey City. Her work is inspired by the connection between hands, clay and emotions. Each piece is one of a kind, no batches. Mariia plays with bright colored glazes, combining hand building techniques and wheel throwing.
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Nancy Tompkins
Cat Plate 2: 8”
📍On view and bidding at Choc O Pain through Oct 14
I have always lived with cats. I especially love how they can get comfortable and can sleep anywhere. I think the sound of a cat’s purr is the most peaceful sound there is.
Although I am primarily a painter, I also explore other media like printmaking, metal repousse, paper engineering, cyanotype, and ceramics.
One of three pieces by Nancy.
See Now, Bid at the Gala
Oct 17 · Gala ticket required to bid
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Aira Reyes
Tattoo Cat: 12 × 14”
📍 On view at Atacama Clay Studio · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Inspired by traditional Asian tattoo art, this piece features a striking feline design with flowing lines and intricate details. The cat represents independence, curiosity, and quiet strength, while the tattoo-inspired artwork adds a timeless, slightly mysterious character.
Aira Reyes is a self-taught Filipina ceramic artist and the creator of Padayon sa Luwad Pottery. Her work is inspired by her Filipino heritage, love for art, travel, and the beauty found in everyday life.
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Fatima Khan
Cat Lamp: 12 × 9 × 9”
📍 On view at Atacama Clay Studio · Bid at the gala Oct 17
I always pass by cute gardens with little gargoyles or gnomes and I thought it would be cute to make one in the shape of a cat!
Fatima is a multicultural and multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Jersey City. She creates work that blends the cultures she grew up with through colorful and traditional styles, while keeping true to her own intuitive process.
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Laura McDonald
3 Spoon Rests Set: 3 x 5” ea.
📍 On view at Atacama Clay Studio · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Laura McDonald Cuevas is an artist and art educator who has lived in Jersey City Heights. For over 30 years, she has focused primarily on sculptural clay work, drawing inspiration from her study of dance and the movement and physicality of working with clay. She also enjoys collaborating with her husband, fellow artist Orlando Cuevas.
One of two pieces by Laura.
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Talia Boado
Cat 1: 4 x 3 x 3.5”
Cat 2: 4.5 x 4 x 4.5”
📍 On view at Atacama Clay Studio · Bid at the gala Oct 17
I am a New Jersey-based ceramic artist and special education teacher working with both wheel throwing and handbuilding. I love experimenting with texture and color to create pieces that are functional yet playful.
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Robin Schkrutz
Urn, Remember with Love: 8.5 x 4”
📍 On view at Baddie Tattoos · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Remember with Love is one of my cat urns. I started creating special ceramic urns when after one of my cats died they handed me a flowered tin with his remains, I felt he deserved something more special. I create personalized urns for people that I sell on my Etsy site.
One of two pieces by Robin.
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Robin Schkrutz
Mask: 7 x 8”
📍 On view at Baddie Tattoos · Bid at the gala Oct 17
I have been creating artwork since my very first art classes at age 7 at the Museum of Modern Art; Continuing my education at the HS of Art & Design and then Pratt Institute. After a careeer in the Digital space, I have returned to making art.
One of two pieces by Robin.
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Jennifer Herrera
White Cat on Bowl: 2.5 × 5.5 x 5.5”
📍 On view at Busy Bee Organics · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of three pieces by Jennifer.
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Jennifer Herrera
Orange Cat on Mug: 4 × 3.5 × 3.5”
📍 On view at Busy Bee Organics · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of three pieces by Jennifer.
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Nancy Tompkins
Cat Plate 1: 9”
📍 On view at Choc O Pain · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of three pieces by Nancy.
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Nancy Tompkins
3 Plates Set, 6-7” ea.
📍 On view at Choc O Pain · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of three pieces by Nancy.
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Laura McDonald
Cat Vase: 11“
📍 On view at Cocoa Bakery · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Cats are magnificent creatures and have endeared themselves to humans for centuries. I have always admired the relationships they have with their owners. They are truly emotional support companions.
One of two pieces by Laura.
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Beth DiCara
Mercat: 5 × 5 × 3”
📍 On view at Erin Kumpf Acupuncture · Bid at the gala Oct 17
I’m lucky enough to be able to work in my studio everyday. I’ve been working in clay for 30 years and full time for 20+. Please enjoy.
One of two pieces by Beth.
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Beth DiCara
Golden Cat: 7.5 × 3.5 × 2.5”
📍 On view at Erin Kumpf Acupuncture · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of two pieces by Beth.
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Luke Schulz
Cat Food & Water Dishes: 5 x 5” ea.
📍 On view at La Bodega · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Luke Schulz is a hobby ceramicist. His work draws inspiration from pop art, tattoos, and woodblock carvings. He also enjoys cooking, baking, and video games.
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Paulina Lei
A Cat on Their Phone: 5.25 × 8 × 6”
📍 On view at La Bodega · Bid at the gala Oct 17
I was thinking about social media and its addictive nature, the constant judgement, and hatred. I wondered if there was anything the internet could universally agree on. Then, I thought: cats. The internet loves cats. But in the sculpture, even the cat isn’t free from it, as the sculpture shows the cat looking at a phone, caught in the same cycle of scrolling and addiction as everyone else.
Paulina is an educator and artist with a focus in ceramics. Her work has been in shows in New York and Taiwan.
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Ally MacConchie
Cat Cup: 2.5 × 2 × 4”
📍 On view at Meow Mini Mart · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Inspired by all the silly little cats out there. In honor of Winkie, my childhood cat and best friend <3
Ally MacConchie is a journalist, musician, and recent ceramist based in Jersey City. When not in the studio, she enjoys cooking, playing video games, and spending time with friends and animals.
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Karina Castellanos
NY Knicks KAT Vase: 8 × 4.5 × 1”
📍 On view at Meow Mini Mart · Bid at the gala Oct 17
The Knicks cat vase is inspired by Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT). Like KAT, I lost my mom to COVID-19, and I really admire how openly he talks about his grief.
One of four pieces by Karina.
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Karina Castellanos
Cat Outline: 7 × 6.5 x .5'“
📍 On view at Meow Mini Mart · Bid at the gala Oct 17
This work was inspired by Inhee Ma’s work and her use of the trompe l’oeil effect to make 2D pieces look like 3D pieces of art.
One of four pieces by Karina.
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Keiry Calero
Mug: 5 x 3.5 x 3.5”
📍 On view at Meow Mini Mart · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Inspired by my own feline rascals, their playful nature, and my work with Tiny Tigers NJ, I’ve begun incorporating cats into my art.
Based in Jersey City, NJ, I am a Multimedia Artist focusing on restaurant and cafe ware, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that merge functionality with artistic expression.
One of two pieces by Keiry.
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Keiry Calero
Chess Set:
📍 On view at Meow Mini Mart · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of two pieces by Keiry.
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Michelle Zurita
Jewelry Box: 8 × 5 × 5.5”
📍 On view at Meow Mini Mart · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Joining my husband’s family meant falling in love with three very distinct cats: Milo, Luna, and Ash. Their unique personalities—past and present—are my sweetest inspiration, filling my work with authentic warmth and connection.
Originally from New Orleans, Michelle Zurita is an occupational therapist specializing in hand therapy, now soaking up all the Jersey City local love.
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Arlaina Tibensky
If You had a Secret: 9 x 4 x 2"
You Bet I Would Keep It: 8 x 3.5 x 2"
📍 On view at Riverview Wine & Spirits · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Cats are magical creatures, secret keepers, in communion with the unknown. These vessels whisper to each other, and knowing what they know, keep it to themselves. Made especially for the Clay for Cats fundraiser, each piece is hand-built and decorated with underglazes and overglazes. One happens to look just like my mother, the other just like her sister. I hope they find a good home.
Arlaina Tibensky is a Hoboken-based ceramicist known for whimsical, surreal work inspired by Mayan earthenware, Glam Rock, and Oaxacan art.
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Santiago Cohen
Tuxedo Cat, Oblea: 5.5 x 3 x 3.5”
📍 On view at Riverview Wine & Spirits · Bid at the gala Oct 17
Inspired by my best cat Oblea, who passed away two years ago.
An illustrator, animator, and fine artist whose work spans children’s media, books, galleries, and community arts. Since 2014 has served as Artistic Director and founding organizer of Jersey City’s Day of the Dead Parade.
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Taylor Vaughn
Succulent Planter: 5 x 7"
📍 On view at The Hair Room · Bid at the gala Oct 17
I have always been a cat lover and have been hand painting cat themed pottery on and off for a few years!
My name is Taylor Vaughn and I am an art therapist based in Somerville, NJ. I have been doing pottery as a hobby on and off for over 10 years. I love experimenting with new forms and glazing techniques but most recently have enjoyed vibrant hand painted designs on black clay.
One of four pieces by Taylor.
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Taylor Vaughn
12 Stacking Cats: 3 x 5"
📍 On view at The Hair Room · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of four pieces by Taylor.
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Taylor Vaughn
8 Cats, 9 Lives: 4 × 3 × 3”
📍 On view at The Hair Room · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of four pieces by Taylor.
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Taylor Vaughn
5 Cats: 4 × 3.5 x 3.25”
📍 On view at The Hair Room · Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of four pieces by Taylor.
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Jordan Davidson
Cat Nesting Dolls: 8 × 6 × 5”
📍 On view at Atacama Clay Studio · Bid at the gala Oct 17
The cats are hand-built, using a combination of pinch pots and sculpting.
Jordan Davidson is a writer and ceramicist based in Jersey City with a penchant for making functional forms inspired by desserts and other whimsical designs. Jordan is an avid foster, raising 30 kittens over the years with her partner Zack, and their two cats, Toby and Theo.
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Jordan Davidson
Dime Cat Bank: 5.5× 5× 3.5”
On view at Atacama Clay Studio -Bid at the gala Oct 17
One of three pieces by Jordan
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Jordan Davidson
Raku cat pencil cup: 4.5× 4.5× 4”
On view at Atacama Clay Studio-Bid at Gala Oct 17
One of three pieces by Jordan
Thank You to Our Sponsors
These Heights businesses donated goods and services free of charge. GIve them two big paws up and show them some love!
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La Bodega
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Riverview Wine
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La Doneria
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Christine Santelli