Interview: How a Professional Curator Selects Cat Art — Lessons from Amy Rios

Interview: How a Professional Curator Selects Cat Art — Lessons from Amy Rios

Hook: Curation is craftsmanship. Amy Rios, a professional curator, explains how she finds lines and objects that stand the test of time — and how cafés, galleries and collectors can apply the same methods to cat-themed art and products.

Why curation matters for cat cafés and collectors

Good curation turns random displays into narratives. For cat cafés this means picking pieces that respect animal welfare, encourage quiet reflection, and invite audience connection. Amy’s approach melds visual intuition with a rigorous selection framework.

Highlights from the interview

• Longevity over novelty: Amy prefers pieces that reward repeated viewing.
• Contextual storytelling: Every object should have a clear provenance and story that staff can tell to guests.
• Ethical sourcing: Prefer makers who disclose materials and production impact.

Practical takeaways for curating cat art

1. Pick a narrow theme for each show — motifs like "domestic ritual" or "play" help guide selection.
2. Balance functional objects (bowls, collars) with fine art to keep retail accessible.
3. Use limited runs and microbrand collaborations to create collectible seasons.

Resources Amy recommends

Amy pointed us to a few frameworks and essays that shaped her thinking:

• Interviews with curators and makers are useful for process — see Interview: How a Professional Curator Finds the Lines That Last — Amy Rios.
• Ethical considerations for image restoration and retouching inform conservation choices when lending pieces to cafés — read the ethical frameworks at AI Retouching and Tapestry Restoration.
• For hands-on creative resets and studio practice, Amy recommends short creative workbooks like 10 Quick Creative Exercises to Restart Your Practice.
• And for sourcing ethically-made textiles or pieces inspired by global craft, consult indigenous textile guides such as A Deep Dive into Indigenous Mexican Textiles.

Final advice from Amy

"Choose objects that change the room’s rhythm. If the piece encourages people to slow down and observe, it’s doing the work of curation."

Use these guiding practices to make cat‑centric displays that are peaceful, ethical, and commercially sensible.