(PNAN-VA) – Beautifully expressed by someone, “Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can’t even describe, aren’t even aware of.” Although the thought raises question, in the case of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center tradition, “Artful Holidays,” which opens on Saturday, December 4 weekend, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and continues on Sunday from 1:00-5:00 pm, the tradition reminds goers of the of not only times ago, but also the marvels on the faces as they view the whimsical display, “Season’s Greetings: Holiday Scenes from the Noland Company Collection.”
Of course, there are many more activities going on, from docent-lead gallery games and exhibition tours for the whole family, and it is all free. There is also a public opening reception on Sunday, from 2:00-4:00 pm, and visitors can take in Williamsburg artist Vivian Driskill’s creative process as she makes modern jewelry with a vintage twist. Also, Beth Turbeville will demonstrate her pottery skills and Susan McCreary will be on hand to autograph her cookbooks for sale.
And as tradition goes, the Gallery Shop will be all decked out for the holiday with a wider selection of handmade gifts and art, including scenes on display of the Hermitage, Colonial Williamsburg, Mt. Vernon and other buildings covered in a sprinkling of white snow, surrounded by merrymakers in period holiday dress as depicted in 21 fanciful paintings and watercolors, by a local artist commissioned by the Noland Company for their holiday greeting cards. The Noland Company was a national plumbing fixture wholesaler founded in 1915 in Newport News by L. U. “Casey” Noland II.
There is still much more, such as the children can amuse themselves while their parents create their own holiday greeting cards with a myriad of free materials provided, and local artists will be demonstrating their work throughout December as part of Pfac’s Artist in Residence program, offered every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2:00-5:00 pm.
Traditions warms hearts, add smiles to faces, as well as once said by Emily Matthews, “From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another, the warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.”
For more information, call 757.596.8175, or see www.pfac-va.org.