• The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum is showcasing 'Gallery Cats,' an exhibition honoring the gallery's history with cats and founder James O'Rourke's appreciation for them.
• The exhibition features a diverse collection of cat-themed art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints from various artists and cultures.
• The show includes interactive elements, such as drawing and building stations, designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum in Moorhead is presenting 'Gallery Cats,' an exhibition in its Children's Gallery that pays homage to the gallery's long-standing relationship with feline companions. The exhibition showcases various cat-themed artworks from the Rourke's permanent collection, including pieces acquired by founder James O'Rourke. The show celebrates the historical presence of cats at the Rourke and offers interactive experiences for visitors to explore their creativity.

• What: The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum is hosting an exhibition titled 'Gallery Cats' featuring cat-themed art from its permanent collection.
• Who: Key individuals include James O'Rourke (founder of the Rourke), Jonathan Rutter (Executive Director and Curator), and artists DeborahMae Broad, Tsuguharu Foujita, Wang Hui-Ming, Robert A. Nelson, Philip J. Thompson, and Courtney Donahue.
• When: The exhibition is on display through the month of May, with the article published on May 06, 2025.
• Where: The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum in Moorhead, specifically in the Children's Gallery.

The 'Gallery Cats' exhibition highlights the unique history of the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, intertwining art with the gallery's tradition of keeping cats. The show appeals to a broad audience by combining historical artifacts with interactive elements, attracting both children and adults. The exhibition also sheds light on the collecting habits and personal preferences of the gallery's founder, James O'Rourke.

They were part of the Rourke experience for a lot of years. Cats go back at the old Rourke Art Gallery to the 1960s. There had been a dynasty that stretched all the way back, I think through the late ‘80s, early ’90s. I think the last cat may have informally been a member of the board or at least attended meetings.

He lived alone all of his life. So I think he appreciated the companionship, but at the same time, he liked that they could attend to themselves. He had some limited interest in specific breeds of dogs, but cats, he just loved all kinds.

I think cat imagery captivated Jim, so that's certainly inspired more than one exhibit that we've had over the decades. It informed his collecting as well.

I think the Children's Gallery generally has been a pretty good success for us and people are loving the cats. It’s fairly successful exhibit as far as interaction and getting people up here and getting kids involved. It's fun to see how much adults actually engage with the children's space. During the occasional walkthroughs I’ll catch very tall adult men and women sitting in these little chairs drawing on the tabletop there. I think people enjoy the whimsy of the space.

The 'Gallery Cats' exhibition at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum successfully blends art, history, and interactive engagement. By showcasing cat-themed artworks and honoring the gallery's feline legacy, the exhibition provides an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The positive reception and active participation from both children and adults suggest that the show has achieved its goal of celebrating the whimsy and artistic appeal of cats.