This Christmas tree was submitted by the late Margaret Rudd for last year’s Festival of Trees at the Janice Mason Art Museum. Each decoration was hand-made.
Museum Director Paula Lisowsky said that the event is free to the public and will celebrate its fifth year. She said the museum requires all trees to be artificial, and that the Extension Homemakers Association offers the use of artificial trees if one is needed.
“There are no other parameters. We’ve actually had trees that are not traditional trees,” said Lisowsky. “Paul Fourshee has a collection of plumb bobs that he submitted on a metal frame. Helping Hands has submitted a tree in the past that was made of canned food. It was fantastic.”
Lisowsky said that trees of most sizes would be welcome, though wide displays that could not be folded could be a problem.
“Most of the trees have themes. One has mittens and hats that are donated to the need. The Relay For Life decorates theirs with ornaments that memorializes cancer victims and celebrates survivors. The VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary has a patriotic tree, and the Bank of Cadiz has a tree that has glass balls full of shredded money. Churches present trees with a Christian theme. The Middle School has one with geometric origami and the Girl Scouts use recycled materials. Trees do not need to have a theme, but it makes it more interesting,” said Lisowsky of the variety of displays.
“Trees do not have to have a skirt, but we have some sparkling fabric if needed. Some people bring skirts, and others bring presents. It’s your space, so use the floor under the tree if you want,” Lisowsky said.
The trees offer the community a chance to express its creative streak. Lisowsky said that one tree decorated by beautician Tiffany Brunson featured hair rollers and clips.
Lisowsky said that the Festival of Trees would not be limited to Christmas Trees. “We’ll have an area for other decorations such as nativity scenes. We would not turn anything away, if someone wanted to provide a Menorah for Chanukah it would be great. I would love to have a Kwanza display as well.”
For the rest of this story, read this week's Cadiz Record.
