Christmas season symbolism was epitomized Sunday afternoon at the Shafer Art Gallery’s annual Holiday Open House, which featured more than a dozen Christmas trees, two electric train sets complete with miniature villages, live holiday music from Native American musician John Two-Hawks and the big man in red himself – Santa Claus.
Gallery Director Dave Barnes said the event drew more than 300 guests.
“It was very well attended,” Barnes said. “We also received a lot of positive feedback on John Two-Hawk’s performance.”
Carol Woodmansee of Great Bend said she has visited the Festival of Trees exhibit since it started more than a decade ago.
This year she enjoyed seeing the work of her grandchildren, as they helped to create ornaments to decorate one of the trees. All of the trees were decorated by local youths.
“It’s just wonderful,” she said. “It’s good for school kids to participate, and I enjoy the entertainment.”
The Shafer Gallery’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. The exhibit will run through Dec. 18 and the gallery will close for the holidays; however, group tours are available by request.
Contact Barnes at barnesd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9342 for more information. Admission is free.