But Who Will Bell The Cats?

Nassau County Museum of Art’s MiniArtMuseum for Children takes on the fascination of a doll house castle with Cynthia von Buhler’s “But Who Will Bell The Cats?” The newly opened exhibit is based on von Buhler’s new book of the same name, which published last month. In “But Who Will Bell The Cats?,” the famed author/illustrator creates an enchanted upstairs/downstairs world to show her viewers and readers the rewards of determination, bravery, and creativity – and remind them of the uncomplicated power of kindness.

Children and their families are invited to a party on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m., to celebrate the publication of the book and the opening of the exhibition. Von Buhler will be on hand to sign copies of her book (available for purchase at the MiniArtMuseum shop). No reservations are needed and there is no fee beyond museum admission.

In addition to having written and illustrated the story, von Buhler was the painter, sculptor, interior decorator, mason, gardener, and plumber of the sets. The rooms were built by hand from wood. The stone walls were formed from plaster. The floors are handmade from inlaid wood, mother-of-pearl and plaster. The characters were painted in oils on gessoed paper, then cut out and placed in the sets.

Cynthia von Buhler’s work has been compared to a trip down an ornate rabbit hole. She is an internationally known and award-winning artist whose three-dimensional works have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world, and in books, magazines, and newspapers. She shares her home with her husband, eight cats, one dog, seven doves, and an unknown number of mice living below the floorboards. Her book, “The Cat Who Wouldn’t Come Inside,” was the inspiration for a previous exhibition at the MiniArtMuseum.

Also coming up, on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m., the author returns to the MiniArtMuseum for an intimate dollhouse and paper doll workshop using characters from her book. The fee for the workshop is $12 (museum members, $10) per participant. Early reservations are suggested; contact fdiesu@nassaumuseum.org.

The MiniArtMuseum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4:30 p.m. Related art activities for children are offered each Sunday at 1:30 pm. For further information about the book, visit www.butwhowillbellthecats.com.

Nassau County Museum of Art is located at One Museum Dr., (off Northern Boulevard) in Roslyn Harbor. Admission to the main building is $10, $8 seniors and $4 children; it includes admission to the MiniArtsMuseum for Children. Call (516) 484-9337 for more information.