COEUR d’ALENE — The green glass eyes of the new sculpture watch over the art room at Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities.

For about 10 years, former Principal Janet Ackerman had been searching for artwork to feature at the school.

A remodel near the end of her tenure left a small raised courtyard in which she wanted to add something inspirational for the students, but nothing ever quite fit the mark.

“This spot would be perfect for a sculpture, but of course it has to be something that can handle the extreme weather,” Ackerman said.  “When I saw this cat sculpture, I thought this would be so perfect. It’s very simple, It’s really the outline of a cat with these big green eyes."

Fourth grader Birdie Bailey was already admiring the sculpture Friday afternoon.

“I’ve always liked 3D art, so I’m really excited it’s here,” Birdie said.

Artist Buddy Paul works primarily as a sculptor, working with metal and glass highlights. 

More than 30 years ago, he first got into metalworking when he bought his first welding set as a birthday present to himself. Around Kootenai County, he's shown his sculptures at art festivals including Art on the Green and at Art Spirit Gallery. 

His sculpture, now at home at Sorensen, is over 7 feet tall and shows the face of a cat. The design builds on some earlier, smaller versions of Paul’s artwork.

“I just walked into my shop with nothing to do one day and just thought, 'Why don’t I make it bigger?'” Paul said.

 He believes the bright green glass eyes of this version changed the personality and made it more warm and friendly.

“My goal is to make people smile, and I feel ‘A Very Large Cat’ achieves that. Art can and should be fun,” Paul said.

    Fourth graders Eleanor Casile, Noah D’Alessandro and Birdie Bailey pose by the window in the art room at Sorensen Magnet School, where Buddy Paul's sculpture, "A Very Large Cat" is now visible.