by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
In a season ripe with tradition, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has revived one of its traditional exhibitions after a five-year absence.
Fifteen years ago, the Cummer had Christmas trees depicting foreign countries on display in its smaller galleries. School children from around the area would visit the display, which was presented every year for 10 years.
Last spring Betsy Lovett, a member of the museum’s board and co-chair of the project, pushed to resume the tradition, which was suspended five years ago. Ideas were discussed between Lovett, the museum’s director and other principals. By October, all the arrangements were in place.
“People asked for it over and over again, they wanted it back,” said Lovett, adding this year’s display expresses a different theme indirectly relating to the offerings of the museum.
“The timing is wonderful,” said Lovett, former chair of the museum’s board of directors. “We’ve lived in a world of turmoil lately. People are looking for sharing with friends and family. I think we’re all looking more closely at the preciousness of life and the joys around. I think Christmas, Chanukah and so forth renews that.”
For the opening reception last week, 1,500 members turned out for the tree lighting ceremony.
Six themes are featured in the display: Moon & Star, Garden, Angel, Circus, Renaissance and Americana.
Americana is emblazoned with miniature flags, replicas of Uncle Sam and folk art; the Moon and Star Tree, which is outside, is decorated with ornaments made by local school children; the Circus Tree sports clowns and exotic animals perched on its limbs; the whimsical Garden Tree, which is representative of the Cummer’s gardens, is encircled with wisteria, butterflies, fairies, winged elves and tiny greenhouses; the Angel Tree has cherubs, harps and scrolls of music floating about its greenery and the Renaissance boasts peacocks, ribbon-laced musical instruments from the period such as the lute, jewel-encrusted crosses and jesters.
Reproductions of popular ornaments on the trees are available at the museum’s store. All profits from the flag ornaments seen on the Americana tree go to the World Trade Center Fund.
“You should see the children’s faces when they come through here,” said Lovett.
“They’re so excited. Their eyes just pop. They learn so much from seeing and viewing.”
Because of contributions from Cummer members and other supporters of the arts, each of the six trees were underwritten with no cost to the museum. The price tag of $10,000 solicited from each underwriter covered all expenses: invitations, ornaments, labor, music, amenities providing ambiance and the cost of the tree itself. Thousands of ornaments hang from the branches of each 12-foot tree. Five are artificial because of fire concerns and cleanliness and are located inside the gallery. Outside in the gardens, a live tree sparkles with decorations courtesy of local school children.
“Art is no good unless it’s being viewed,” said Lovett. “So many people don’t get the chance to get into the museum. Plenty don’t even know it exists. It gives everybody an opportunity to enjoy not only the trees but the art and gardens.
“This is the something the community all loves,” said Lovett. “I think we’re all children at heart. The sparkle, the glitter, the music and the happiness lightens our spirit and makes us grateful.”
It took staffers five days to decorate the trees. Michael Haley, a local florist and interior designer, and his crew of six painstakingly placed all the baubles in place.
The story of Chanukah and the Festival of Lights is taking place as well at the museum. Dreidels and artwork from local collectors and artists are on display through Dec. 31 in addition to Menorahs from private collections. Admission will be half price through the end of the year.