Art Scene: Fall is bursting with artistic inspiration

"Master Artworks from Private Collections" that intriguing glimpse behind the closed doors of some the metropolitan area's most important private art collections, is the main feature, through Nov. 9. There's much more here, though, to enjoy. Visit the Second Floor Galleries for "Posters of the Russian Revolution," a look at 40 posters portraying the era of the Russion Revolution, and "The First Forty Years: Celebrating Architecture - The Spector Group," a exhibit of the trend-setting architectural firm's vanguard designs. This weekend also features the opening performance of NCMA's Culture Kids series. Kids 5-8 will enjoy "Picasso People," on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. It's an original program using mime, mask, puppetry, narration, and music to explore the art and life of Pablo Picasso. Tickets are $30 each ($25 members) and includes admission for one child and one accompanying adult. Each additional person is $20 ($15 members). Reservations are required for the Culture Kids Program. The Nassau County Art Museum is located at One Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Contact (516) 484-9337 for more information.

It's a big weekend at the Islip Art Museum, which is hosting its annual Antique and Collectible Fair, on the grounds of Brookwood Hall, Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The fair emphasizes unusual collectibles, ranging from antique jewelry to art deco appliances. Toys, furniture, dolls, books, clothing, linens and lace are among the items offered for sale.Also, visit the museum's current exhibit, "Design For Living." It's a look at how artists use architecture and household design is used as inspiration for their art.The Islip Art Museum galleries are open Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, noon-4 p.m., at Brookwood Hall, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip. For further information, contact (631) 224-5402.

This is the final weekend to see the Hofstra Museum's exhibit of "A Tale of Two Cities: Eugene Atget's Paris and Berenice Abbott 's New York," which ends Tuesday, Oct. 25.More than an exhibition of architectural photography, this show examines the work of two artists who were inextricably linked to each other and to the development of modern photography. This exhibit can be viewed at Hofstra University's Emily Lowe Gallery, in Hempstead. For further information, contact (516) 463-5672.

See the creations of some Long Island's finest nature artists, at a show and sale, Saturday, Oct. 22, at 5:30 p.m. The artists represented include: Elizabeth Kolligs, Lance Lichtensteiger, Joanne Sullam, and Elizabeth Roosevelt.Painter Elizabeth Kolligs is local artist producing memorable images of wildlife, horses and landscapes. Most notably, she has created a series of paintings of Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary's resident owls for this show. Lance Lichtensteiger is a woodcarver who has been designing and carving wildlife for 23 years. His decoys are considered majestic representations of wildlife. Painter Joanne Sullam is no stranger to Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, having participated in previous years' art shows at the Sanctuary. Her work captures the essence of wildlife and their habitats as only a nature lover can. Elizabeth Roosevelt is a photographer who documents her travels through her nature photography.The evening, which is a fundraising event for the Sanctuary and Audubon Center, features a cocktail reception. Admission is $75 per person, $140 per couple, o4 $175 per couple with family membership. The Sanctuary is located at 134 Cove Rd., Oyster Bay. For more information, contact (516) 922-3200.

The Heckscher Museum presents an extraordinary world tour of photographs, drawings, and sculptures by Isamu Noguchi in its current exhibit, "Noguchi: The Bollingen Journey, 1949-1956: Photographs, Drawings, Sculpture and Writings," through Nov. 13. One of the twentieth century's most important and critically acclaimed sculptors, Noguchi's works are showcased in this unique exhibit of more than 200 photographs and drawings -- as well as several sculptures. The exhibit documents Noguchi's worldwide travels over a period of six years to destinations such as Italy, Egypt, India, Nepal, and Japan. The Heckscher Museum of Art is located at 2 Prime Ave.,Huntington. It is open on weekends, 1-5 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact (516) 351-3250.

The work of award-winning children's book illustrator Will Hillenbrand is the subject of a new exhibition, "Down On The Farm and More," at the Molloy College Art Gallery, opening Oct. 27. Illustrations from "Down On The Farm," "Asleep In The Stable," and Hillenbrand's other books will be on view.Meet Hillenbrand on opening day, Thursday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m, when he gives a lecture along with children's author Merrily Kutner, who wrote "Down On The Farm. It will be followed by a book signing and artist's reception, from 4-6 p.m.The gallery is located in Kellenberg Hall, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. It is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For further information, contact (516) 678-5000 ext. 6539.