This sculpture is Cat In Repose, by Kathleen McCullough, made in 1977 and part of the original group of public artworks set about the Portland Transit Mall.
From the pictures below, the artwork seems to have been damaged, perhaps not permanently, by the Transit Mall maintenance crew, using a high pressure washer on it.
Before – October 2003
After – October 2005
I can’t find anything on McCullough. Seems she, like several of the Transit Mall sculptors, stopped making or selling artwork soon after Tri-Met bought it. Considering the countless asses plopped onto it, buses careening about, and infinite cigarettes stubbed out on it, after 25+ years, this artwork has done its job and weathered well.
March 1, 2006 at 11:00 pm
I was saddened to see the damage done to this lovely piece. It rests just outside my office building, and I have spent many hours leaning against this kitty, over the years. No small child can ever pass by “Cat in Repose” without gesturing to, or calling out to the animal, or climbing up onto it’s friendly back.
July 16, 2008 at 3:27 am
[...] to the 12 works of public art that lined the streets before the construction started. They include “Cat in Repose” by Kathleen McCollough, a favorite with children, and “Kvinneakt,” the nude sculpture made famous by a pre-Mayor Bud [...]
October 13, 2009 at 10:29 pm
This is straight up baaaalllliinn! I have never seen such a well done piece of public art in all my days as a coal miner. Things like this warm my heart.