Art Cart: Christmas season has arrived in Morgan County
Decorating the Christmas tree carries great weight in many families, real pine or artificial, handmade ornaments or shiny store-bought, white lights or multi-colors, tinsel or plain, these are all decisions some take very seriously. Indeed, the day and date of putting up the tree and decorating it can be a matter of much debate! From the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas eve and every day in between, each household has its preferences.
The huge Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and the choices made by the President and First Lady for the White House are watched with interest by a large audience. Here in Indiana, we look forward to the strands of lights on the downtown Indy circle that create that tree annually. Indiana’s First Lady, Janet Holcomb has invited artistic submissions, representative of special people, places, and things to decorate this year’s Statehouse tree. The theme 92 Reasons to Celebrate promises to bring a wide array of ornaments to the Statehouse 2021 Hoosier Holiday Celebration.
Morgan County’s ornaments, painted by local porcelain artist, Ellen Wilson Pruitt. One features the Morgan County courthouse tower in anticipation of the 2022 County Bicentennial and a second ornament pays homage to Martinsville’s history as the goldfish capital of the world. Helping Owen County, Pruitt also submitted another porcelain ornament featuring an image of Cataract Falls.
Decorating the downtown light poles is almost complete and it is fun to see how the choices made by the various sponsors. Thanks to all who participate and Rediscover Martinsville’s organizing this downtown project.
Maxwell’s Art Gallery & Framing, owned and operated by the by Kathryn Maxwell for many years on the southside of the Martinsville square will be closing at the end of the year as Kathryn looks forward to a much-deserved retirement. Stop in for great close-out bargains on art and art supplies, frames, and gift items. We will miss the quality framing we have had nearby all these years.
Mooresville’s ColorWorks, owned by artist Jeanne McLeish, should be considered for framing needs going forward in 2022. My studio at Art Sanctuary, Nancy Maxwell Fine Art carries some art supplies and frames as well.
Don't forget about Saturday's Cookie Stroll. Twenty-five cookie stops and longer hours should make this year’s event better than ever. Shops will be open with holiday specials.
Holiday music in the downtown will add to the festive atmosphere. Start your day with Passport pick-up at Art Sanctuary; circle back to AS through the day for the Winter Farmer’s Market in the Lower Gallery, music, and dance performances and to visit the open studios.
Keller-Williams Realty is the sponsor and Mooresville drop-off location for the Blanket Drive now through Dec. 11; Nancy Maxwell Fine Arts at Art Sanctuary will collect blankets in Martinsville.
Keep me posted at artcartmartinsville@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: Art Cart: Christmas season has arrived in Morgan County
