Each nativity on display shows a very personal interpretation of this traditional scene and the characters comprising it - typically Mary and Joseph, the Christ Child in a manger, the three Wise Men, and various animals. Pieces reflect their countries of origin in materials and techniques, and range in size from 2" miniatures to sculptural pieces up to 3' high.
The Spaniards transported the custom of focusing a portion of the Christmas celebration on nativity scenes to the Americas in the sixteenth century. Today, the annual unpacking and arranging of often large and elaborate nativities is an important event for many Latin American families. A weaving of customs is evident in much of the work shown, a mix of pre-Columbian and European traditions.
Examples from Mexico include carved and painted wood and black and brown ware clay miniatures no larger than one's thumb. On an even smaller scale, some nativities are created inside painted walnut shells. Self-contained collapsible tin nativity sets, large wooden folding triptychs, small scenes placed in decoratively painted boxes and others made from lead and cut and painted tin are also on view from Mexico.
The renowned Aguilar family and Dolores Porras are represented with their ceramics. Clay ware from Tlaquepaque and Tonala (realistic European style), San Bartolo, Coyotepec (black pottery), and Tzintzuntzan (beige and black pottery) are also offered.
Among the artists contributing holiday ornaments are: Ulla Anobile (paper mache angels); Candy Butler (mixed media stars); Evan Chambers (blown glass); Jennifer Coniff (mixed media narratives); Cindy Cooksey (quilted fiber stars and ball ornaments); Esperanza Garcia (ornaments made from recycled sardine tins); Johanna Hansen (painted ceramic miniature chairs); Susan Kushins (brass, bronze and sterling silver angels); Jo Anne Sadler (wood-burned and stained gourds); Lucia Yang (fused glass stars).
The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Line's Del Mar Station and right near the heart of Old Town Pasadena. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information AND FOR EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS IN DECEMBER, contact The Folk Tree at 626/795-8733 or Gail Mishkin at 626/793-4828.
