Artist Nicky Serrano Highlights Beloved Huguenot Children’s Library

Artist Nicky Serrano is known for her whimsical work -- and her fondness for feisty felines, creatures she describes as “full of cattitude.” Her recent exhibit at Montefiore New Rochelle’s Gallery, “Queen Kitty City: Feline Fun by the Seaside,” enchanted visitors with her vision of iconic local landmarks overrun by crazy colorful cats – especially “Street Scene,” which envisioned the Huguenot Children’s Library full of kooky kitties. “Cats and books go so well together,” Serrano says.

Now fans of the Huguenot Children’s Library can buy a poster version of “Kitten Library” for $30, with all proceeds benefiting the HCL. To order, visit the NRPL Foundation website at
https://nrplfoundation.org/the-kitten-library-art-print-fundraiser/

The idea to create the poster as a fundraiser came from Jodie Moise, curator of Montefiore’s Fine Arts Program, who saw the enthusiastic reaction to “Kitten Library” when it was on exhibit at the hospital's Queen City Art Gallery last fall. She shared her idea with Nicky Serrano, who quickly agreed to donate her work to support the library.

“We are so grateful to Jodie Moise for suggesting this idea,” says Stephanie Tomei, Co-President of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, the non-profit organization that raises money for the NRPL. “It’s a playful celebration of the beloved Huguenot Children’s Library, and a perfect gift!”

About the Artist

Born in the U.K. Nicky Serrano lived in Barcelona, Spain before moving to the U.S. Today she lives on Long Island Sound and calls herself ‘an unashamed cat (and chicken) lady who enjoys making colorful and playful mixed media paintings that depict life with cats as I see it.” Serrano says her art is “strongly influenced by a love of picture books from my childhood, combined with a fascination for folk art, especially from Mexico.”

One of her favorite picture books was Richard Scarry’s classic “Busy Town,” which inspired her to create her own “busy town” using some of New Rochelle’s most distinctive buildings. Each has been laser cut to allow her to create “peek-a-boo” window scenes featuring felines. See more about the artist at nickyserrano.com.