Et-cetera Home Décor Line to Include Work by Artist Marsha McCarthy

Furniture World Magazine

Et-cetera, the home décor division of Cast Art Industries, has licensed the works of sculptor and painter Marsha McCarthy. McCarthy, best known for her intricate designs on clay tiles, now lends her artistic efforts to the home accessories market in a tastefully whimsical new collection of home accents. Her "Cats Rule" theme forms the basis for a striking set of five stylized cat sculptures. Positioned together or individually, the large sculptures will be the focus of attention wherever they are displayed. The cats have also been interpreted in a unique ring of cats vase and candleholder and in a playful set of bookends. McCarthy's imaginative art and inspirational floral designs are also beautifully rendered in a series of four stone finished tile plaques. The ensemble, made of hydrostone, is offered in a metallic finish and in a selection of four pastels. McCarthy stated, "I recently had the opportunity to visit Cast Art for the first time and the trip was wonderful. Not only did I get to see my art in three-dimensional form for the first time, but I also got to meet all the talented people who have been working on the project for the past year. They have done an incredible job of maintaining the integrity of the art with quality products." McCarthy graduated from the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and began a career as an advertising art director. Her work with clay led to the development of handmade kitchen and bath tiles that are currently shown in 100 showrooms nationwide. McCarthy's sophisticated art also has graced greeting cards, calendars, needlepoint, coasters and other gift products. Seeking to build upon its reputation as a producer of fine quality gifts and collectibles, Cast Art's newly formed Et-cetera division showcases the talents of well-known licensed artists as well as the company's own studio artists debuting in home décor. The Et-cetera line will debut in January 2001 with more than 250 designs in a truly intriguing and eclectic mix of accents, all with equal emphasis on function and beauty, with an "elegant simplicity". The Et-cetera division is part of a major expansion for Cast Art, which recently announced a merger with Papel Giftware, Inc., of Monroe Township, NJ. Kenneth LeFevre, formerly President of Goebel North America, distributors of the famous Hummel collectibles, has been named President and L. Richard Kugelman has been named Executive Vice President of the combined companies. Scott Sherman, founder and Chairman of Cast Art Industries stated, ``This merger provides for an acceleration in our growth in giftware products by combining Papel Giftware's excellent social expression product line with Cast Art's established and successful collectibles and giftware brand names. The merger has created one of the largest companies in the North American gift and collectibles industry and provides substantial opportunities for further expansion."