Artists add special flare to Christmas trees
Criss Elementary School kindergarten students created a tree that mirrored the artistic style of Dal Chihuly in his piece “Fiori di Como” for their contribution to the Parkersburg Art Center’s annual Artist Tree exhibit. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
The preschool Artstart students at the Parkersburg Art Center chose a book they all loved called “Rocking in My School Shoes” for their Christmas remake. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Carol Bidstrup and Abby Hayhurst depicted a Christmas rendition of “Composition” by Alexander Calder. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Randall Siers carved birds from wood as part of a demonstration Saturday at the Holiday Open House/Artist Market. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
First time tree trimmers Dianne Wilson and Allison Lauderman depicted “Four Marilyns” by Andy Warhol in a Christmas style. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
This mosaic was on display by SW Resources as one of the many artistic specialties of the Marble Tree. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Criss Elementary School kindergarten students created a tree that mirrored the artistic style of Dal Chihuly in his piece “Fiori di Como” for their contribution to the Parkersburg Art Center’s annual Artist Tree exhibit. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
The preschool Artstart students at the Parkersburg Art Center chose a book they all loved called “Rocking in My School Shoes” for their Christmas remake. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Carol Bidstrup and Abby Hayhurst depicted a Christmas rendition of “Composition” by Alexander Calder. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
Randall Siers carved birds from wood as part of a demonstration Saturday at the Holiday Open House/Artist Market. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
First time tree trimmers Dianne Wilson and Allison Lauderman depicted “Four Marilyns” by Andy Warhol in a Christmas style. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
This mosaic was on display by SW Resources as one of the many artistic specialties of the Marble Tree. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)
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PARKERSBURG -- The Parkersburg Art Center's annual Artist Tree exhibit kicked off Saturday during its Holiday Open House/Artist Market on Shop Small Saturday.
This year the art center decided to let local artists and school groups depict how they felt famous artists would have decorated for Christmas. The trees, which will be on display until Dec. 21, featured 11 different creative designs.
One design, completed by Kelley Cartwright and Kasey Snyder, was a Christmas themed version of Rene Magritte's painting "Golconda." Next to each design is a photo of the original piece, as well as some history on the original artist.
The preschool Artstart students at the art center chose a book they all loved, "Rocking in My School Shoes," one of 60 popular childrens books about a cat named Pete. The tree is decorated with photos of the students, handmade decorations and shoes, which will be donated to the Childrens Homes Society after Dec. 21.
Attendees can vote on their favorite tree with spare change or dollar bills, and the winner will receive bragging rights, according to Abby Hayhurst, the art center's artistic director. All funds will be used for supplies for the center's childrens programs.
The Holiday Open House/Artist Market was also a hit, attracting guests into the building, where they could also see the trees and the remaining 6×6 art pieces available for sale.
"Once people are in the doors, it gives us a chance to show them everything we offer here," said Lyndsay Dennis, events coordinator with the Parkersburg Art Center.
Dennis said this year the Holiday Open House/Artist Market had 14 vendors and three demonstrators.
"I look forward to this every year, because you never know what amazing masterpiece you could stumble upon," she said.
Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com