Big Cats To Prowl Through First Coast in 2006 Foundation to produce second version of popular art project as fundraiser JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 6, 2005) - Due to the overwhelming success of Sea Cow for Kids (SCFK) last year, the Otis Smith Kids Foundation announced today that it will produce another series of public art next year. Beginning in the fall of 2006, Jacksonville will be the temporary home to more than 60 fiberglass Big Cats, each whimsically decorated by a local artist and displayed throughout the area for approximately six months. The SCFK project raised more than $215,000 for the Foundation, sparking interest in local artists and providing a free, family-friendly activity for residents and visitors. "The Otis Smith Kids Foundation appreciates the tremendous support we received from the community with our first public art project, and we're excited to bring Big Cats for Kids to North Florida," said Bonnie Upright, executive director of the Otis Smith Kids Foundation. "Not only will Big Cats for Kids raise funds for education and life skills initiatives for disadvantaged children here in Jacksonville, the project will spotlight again the many creative artists of our region and provide a showcase for their talent." The fiberglass Big Cats, designed by Jacksonville's Mugwump Productions, will live on street corners, public parks, high profile venues and some of Jacksonville's most popular hot spots beginning in September of 2006. In addition, the creatures will be spotted attached to the sides of buildings, walls and other structures. In the late spring of 2007, the Big Cats will curl up together for a Cat Nap at a temporary habitat for rest and rehabilitation before reappearing for a gala auction event. "On behalf of the citizens of Jacksonville, I'm delighted to welcome Big Cats for Kids," said Mayor John Peyton. "This latest public art display by the Otis Smith Kids Foundation is a winner all the way around. It raises funds for children in need, celebrates the diversity of the community through art, provides a free and family-friendly activity for all ages and encourages people to come downtown and enjoy all the great things our city has to offer." Many of the original SCFK project partners are returning to assist the Foundation in ensuring Big Cats for Kids is a success. Partners include: City of Jacksonville, Mugwump Productions, Coggin Auto, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention and Visitor's Bureau, The Dalton Agency, The Trophy Center and Daily's. Sponsors already committed to adopting a Big Cat include Ashley Furniture Home Store, CSX Transportation, Fidelity National Financial, Coggin Auto, The Weaver Family Foundation, MPS Group, Inc., US LEC and Citi. What is Big Cats for Kids?: Big Cats for Kids replicates a successful concept produced in Jacksonville last year called Sea Cows for Kids.  Public art pieces will be created by local artists on larger than life-size fiberglass jaguars (approximately 7 feet long and 42 inches high), which will be installed in prominent locations throughout the city and the First Coast. The majority of the jaguars will be displayed in downtown Jacksonville and will be spotted by residents and visitors in both indoors and outdoors locations to create a dynamic exhibit that will be promoted through maps, "mews-letters," "spot the Big Cat" walking tours, distinctive signage, contests and extensive media coverage. When is Big Cats for Kids?: An open call for artists will be announced in the coming weeks, and the litter's public display is scheduled for fall 2006 continuing through spring 2007. The event will conclude with a gala auction event, during which the Big Cats will be auctioned to their forever homes. Big Cat Adoption: Each Big Cat will be adopted by a local business, community organization or individual. SPOTsors will make their pick of the litter from pre-approved designs, or the SPOTsor may commission his or her own artist. Adoption of a Big Cat does not include permanent ownership, but does include numerous benefits, such as name recognition on the sculpture, Big Cats for Kids Web site, official publications and VIP tickets to the gala auction event in 2007. Folks interested in adopting a Big Cat should contact a Big Cat Wrangler at 904/880.6847. Artists: An open call to artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested artists and residents will be able to submit designs for consideration. The Big Cats for Kids Artist Review Committee will review all submissions and approve those that best represent the scope of the project and conform to the guidelines in the Artist Agreement. Approved designs will become part of a portfolio for selection by prospective sponsors. If a sponsor chooses an artist's work, an honorarium of $750 will be paid to the artist upon completion and delivery of the sculpture. About the Otis Smith Kids Foundation: The Otis Smith Kids Foundation provides programs and services to disadvantaged children in Northeast Florida in the areas of education, personal development and recreation. Since its inception in 1989, the not-for-profit organization has made a positive impact on thousands of area children. Founder Otis F. Smith is a Jacksonville-native and former NBA star who believes strongly in the values of education, growth and achievement. For more information about the Foundation, visit http://www.otissmithfoundation.com/.