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The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, in conjunction with the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, asks that you don’t claw the curtains, overturn litter boxes, or ruin any rugs as it presents Bad Kitty Does Not Like Art Museums. This exhibit highlights works of art from author and illustrator Nick Bruel, creator of the New York Times bestselling Bad Kitty series. For over 2o years, his stories have connected with children and adults alike. His whimsical narratives teach valuable life lessons through humor and the curious Bad Kitty.

Though she isn’t always a bad cat, she just didn’t want to eat asparagus, horseradish, spinach, or zucchini. It’s a case of wanting an assortment of anchovies, hippo hamburgers, rhino ravioli, or shark sushi. She may not have been as patient as she should have been, but that’s okay. She is learning – she is just a little kitty. And Bad Kitty grows up, just like we do. Bad Kitty goes on vacation, takes a test, gets a bath, gets a phone, and even runs for president. These stories teach that when times get tough, we figure out ways to persevere and succeed, or how to handle disappointment. Bad Kitty Does Not Like Art Museums is an invitation to find your own growth, revisit something you don’t like, and have some laughs.

“I’m incredibly honored that someone would think to hang my work on a wall for someone to see,” Bruel said, when asked how it feels to have his work in an exhibition. 

When can we see Bad Kitty? 

The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts (LCVA) welcomes the community to an opening reception on Wednesday, October 16 from 5:30 – 8 pm; early entry for Friends & Partners at 5 p.m.

Bad Kitty Does Not Like Art Museums is the ninth iteration of the LCVA’s annual Arts and Letters exhibition series showcasing the best in the art of children’s literature, which is proudly presented in conjunction with the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. This exhibition is sponsored by Walter J. Payne Foundation and Haley Auto Mall, along with Melissa and Chris Call. 

The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts presents a rotating program of inspiring and conversation-starting exhibitions. Admission to LCVA and its programs is—and always has been—free for all. It is located at the intersection of Main and Third Streets (129 North Main Street) in Farmville. For additional information on these exhibitions or other programs and events, contact LCVA at 434.395.2206 or visit LCVA’s website by clicking here.