is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, from 2 – 6 P.M.
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 2’ 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, small scenes placed in decoratively painted boxes and others made from straw and colorful ceramics are also on view from Mexico.
The renowned Aguilar family, including Demetrio and Josefina, 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.
Other countries are represented by nativities created with textiles, potato paste (Poland), recycled metal drums (Haiti), match boxes (Peru), candy wrappers (Poland), and wood (Africa).
Among the local artists contributing holiday ornaments and nativities are: Ulla Anobile (paper mache and felt); Patricia Anders (mixed media); Esperanza Garcia (mixed media using recycled sardine tins); Johanna Hansen (painted ceramics); Susan Kushins (sterling silver, brass and bronze); Tamara Hensick (cast bronze, sterling silver, pewter); Patricia Krebs (natural & found objects); and Mavis Leahy (embellished fiber).
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.
Regular hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information
AND FOR EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS, please contact The Folk Tree at (626)795-8733 or Gail Mishkin at (626)793-4828.
