'Cat' statue to be dedicated

November 11, 2007 — Source: Naperville Sun, The (IL) — Author: Kate R. Houlihan

The bronze statue of one mischievous feline will be formally dedicated at 4 p.m. Monday outside Nichols Library.

Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat was installed outside the Jackson Avenue entrance of the building at 200 W. Jefferson Ave. earlier this fall. The statue is the 31st piece in the Century Walk public art collection and the first piece in the group's second phase of operations. It's been a hit with children and adults alike, said library Deputy Director Julie Rothenfluh.

"A lot of people come by and have their pictures taken," Rothenfluh said.

The dedication of the statue also will coincide with Children's Book Week. Rothenfluh said activities planned include a person dressed up as the Cat in the Hat during the dedication, who also will visit all three library branches Tuesday. Cat in the Hat stickers will be available, and throughout the week there are activity sheets, a guessing jar, special giveaways and a raffle.

The "monument size" sculpture is one of nine commissioned as part of the Theodor Seuss Geisel estate. Century Walk president Brand Bobosky said now the group is working on its proposal for Special Events and Cultural Amenities funding.

Possible projects include procuring two more sculptures from the Dr. Seuss collection, as well as mural work at Fredenhagen Park and sculptures of past community leaders Harold and Margaret Moser.

Contact Kate Houlihan at khoulihan@scn1.com or 630-416-5224.

The Cat in the Hat sculpture at the Nichols Library in downtown Naperville will be formally dedicated Monday.
        

Sun file

Section: AROUND TOWN — Page: 5