With another beautiful Bozeman spring upon us, city thespians and art fans will be delighted to learn that Random Acts of Silliness and Bozeman Parks and Recreation have teamed up to present an imaginative community exhibit to the public. Taking place in the historic Story Mansion from April 12th to May 8th, the “Cabinets of Curiosity” interactive art installation seeks to entertain visitors with long-lost collections curated from a fictional family of naturalists—the Sibylla Siblings.

Featuring work from an incredible team of Montana artists—Becky Roberts, Collette Brooks-Hops, Gabriel Kulka, Jenifer Eli Indreland, Kirsten Kainz, Louis Habeck, Marla Goodman, and David DiGiacomo—expressive collaborations work together to tell a larger story. Supposedly, the “Cabinets of Curiosity” were recently discovered behind a secret panel in the wall of a crumbling Victorian house: the former home of the “Sibylla siblings.” A mysterious family of naturalists, inventors and collectors, the Sibyllas traveled near and far (and possibly through other dimensions) to gather unique specimens, oddities and curios. Each artists’ collection aims to profile one of seven siblings, to illustrate a unique and peculiar set of interests, talents, and even obsessions.

Each cabinet examines one of the fictional siblings’ unique and quirky identities, to approach broader topics of art and history:

Mimi’s “Menagerie of Memories” reveals a collection of mementos, keepsakes and trinkets infused with the sounds and scents of events from Mimi’s very busy social life.

Chloe’s “Paradoxical Axolotls” pays tribute to the axolotl (the Mexican Walking Fish) and an entrancing story behind its emergence in Montana.

Barnabas’ “Reliquary of Summer” offers a stunning and mysterious collection of keys that capture moments in time (apparently, this ought to be explored with caution, as it may still possess time-travel power). Margaret’s “Miniature Wonder Rooms” repurposes a dollhouse to display bioluminescent specimens discovered in a singular underground ecosystem.

Maxwell’s “Clockwork Creatures” showcases intricately crafted clockwork creatures, appearing to come alive when touched by the light of a full moon!

Maple’s “Imaginarium Chest” stumps visitors with a locked box of otherworldly specimens that can only be viewed by using a curious, hand-held contraption.

Luella’s “Secret Phonarium of Amusing Voices” reveals a fantastic collection of odd sounds and voices displayed in a private room (to prevent contamination of the sounds contained within, of course).

While the mysterious origins and gadgets from the “Secretive Sibyllas’’ may never be solved, the artifacts on display are truly wondrous to behold. Should this activity sound appealing, we invite you to explore and enjoy the engaging art installations on display at Story Mansion’s upcoming “Cabinets of Curiosity” event.

This community exhibit is FREE and open to the public from April 12th to May 8th. Current business hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 10am-5pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am-7pm. The Story Mansion is located at the corner of South Willson Avenue and College Street, but where the exhibit takes you remains to be seen!

Please visit www.randomactsofsilliness.com for additional information and upcoming community events.