Best cat-painting tsunami-relief philanthropist – Yuko Carson

Yuko Carson has become known as a “cat lady” in the local artist community, and she doesn’t dispute it. “I love cats!” says Carson. “I started painting little cats, and it became so popular!” It was the sight of a strawberry farmer’s woes that prompted Sacramento watercolor painter and Japanese brushstroke instructor Carson to hold an earthquake- and tsunami-relief fundraiser earlier this year. “I cried, and the farmer cried,” says Carson, a Japanese immigrant. “All his life he worked to build up his [farm], and it’s all destroyed. All I could do was open my studio and give the profits to charity.” 379 Main Street in Placerville, (530) 642-2944, www.goldcountryartistsgallery.com/2d/carson.html. M.M.

Originally published in SN&R on 9/22/11.