Mr Budman has exhibited his unique artwork at galleries and museums throughout the United States and Canada. During the 1980s, he was the featured artist at the River Gate at the World’s Fair in New Orleans and was awarded a solo show at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Through his art, he has raised thousands of dollars for animal rescue shelters. Several of his original paintings will be on display at Lockwood Lodge.

Mr Budman and his wife, Susan, reside in Sandy Hook with their three dogs and Ughy, their “100 year old” cat — the subject of his novel, The World’s Oldest Cat Blows the Whistle. Until this book was written, Mr Budman’s credentials have been exclusively as an artist/painter.

The novel describes Ughy’s life during the past 100 years when he met virtually every famous dog and cat star from the early 1900s to the present. This fast-paced novel separates fact from fiction as Ughy exposes secrets and dispels long-held myths about Felix the Cat, Pluto, Toto, Top Cat, Rin Tin Tin, and Lassie, just to name a few.

The World’s Oldest Cat Blows the Whistle contains 35 full color prints of Mr Budman’s original paintings. Copies of the novel will be available for purchase and personally signed by the author. Light refreshments will be served.

Lockwood Lodge is at 139 Toddy Hill Road. For additional information or to make a reservation, contact Dana Dinho at 364-3190 or Palma Famiglietti at 364-3249.

Lockwood Lodge at Ashlar of Newtown is an affiliate of Wallingford-based Masonicare, Connecticut’s leading not-for-profit provider of healthcare and retirement living for seniors.