Lithographed Paper Santa Claus, ca. 1900 is among the items featured in the display “The Art of Christmas Past,” showing in downtown Nacogdoches’ Cole Art Center throughout December.
“The Art of Christmas Past” is provided courtesy of two private collectors and features a variety of ornaments, many of which are 100 years old or older, according to John Handley, director of galleries for the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art.
Antique ornaments, some of which are more than 100 years old, are part of “The Art of Christmas Past” display at Cole Art Center.
Handley’s exhibition statement describing “The Art of Christmas Past” reads: “The marriage of the young Queen Victoria to the German-born Prince Albert in 1840 changed the landscape of English taste forever. Albert was instrumental in bringing his German traditions to England, which included the Christmas tree. From that time onward, Victoria and Albert popularized a new way of celebrating Christmas, complete with table top miniature trees adorned with hand-made ornaments, candles, sweets, fruit, and small gifts. Within a few years, homes across England and the United States began to follow suit.”
A variety of holiday toys and other items are featured in “The Art of Christmas Past” display at Cole Art Center.
Exhibitions and displays are sponsored in part by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts and Nacogdoches Junior Forum. Admission is free.
The Cole Art Center, SFA’s historic art gallery, is located at 329 E. Main St. Gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.
