Missing ‘Keep Portland Weird’ cat statue has been found

The "Coraline's Curious Cat Trail" caper has come to a happy conclusion, according to a press release from the Portland Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. The "Keep Portland Weird" cat statue, which is part of an installation of artist-decorated feline figures in the Portland area, was reported missing Saturday from its location at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, near Saturday Market.

But Sunday morning, the Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe sent out a press release stating that the missing cat has been found. Sydney Mead, senior director of downtown programs for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, said, "We are thrilled to announce that the 'Keep Portland Weird' cat statue, which went missing from Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the Coraline's Curious Cat Trail, has been found."

Mead went on to state, "Thanks to the community's support, this beloved piece of art will be rejoining the trail in the coming days. We are excited to have the cat back on display and continue our efforts to raise funds for OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this elusive cat home!"

An earlier alert asking for the public's help in locating the missing feline statue was issued Saturday at 5:56 p.m., as the cat was believed to have been stolen between the evening of Friday, Sept. 19 and early Saturday, Sept. 20.

In that statement, Mead said, in part, "Despite this unfortunate incident, the citizens of Portland have been exceptional caretakers of this art trail. We are grateful for those who continue to support this one-of-a-kind project in our city."

The "Coraline's Curious Cat Trail" consists of 30 statues placed around town to celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Coraline," the first animated feature from Hillsboro's Laika studio. The statues are scheduled to be auctioned off on Oct. 30 to raise money for OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

The "Keep Portland Weird" cat statue was decorated by artist Celeste Potgieter, who told The Oregonian/OregonLive in early August that she was "enamored of Portland," and appreciated the freedom, and self-expression that proliferates here. "People are allowed to do what they want," she said.

The "Coraline's Curious Cat Trail" installation will end on Oct. 13.

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