Stan Hywet Hall and Garden Magazine - Fall/Winter 2008 - (Page 13)

and even rubber. Although most are from other countries, several domestic pieces, including one from Ohio, reflect regional character. The Cajun nativity, she explains, substitutes an alligator and raccoon for the more traditional donkey and ox, and a chef and a jazz saxophonist make up twothirds of the Three Wise Men. “It’s really different,” Campbell says. Sizes vary as well. “The smallest display is made out of wax and is a bird’s nest with a nativity inside,” she says. “The largest is called ‘Global Village’ — it’s from France, and spans six feet total.” All 30 crèches will be displayed throughout the first floor, each in a Plexiglas® case that includes information about the artist, its origin and artistic interpretation. The theme continues on the second floor, where twodimensional paintings, textiles and other artwork reflecting the Nativity theme will be on display. “I think the Nativity is such a universally accepted symbol that it transcends Christianity,” says Campbell. “This event will bring art lovers of all faiths together.” In addition to “Art of the Nativity,” Stan Hywet is bringing back its traditional “1940s Christmas” theme, giving visitors an opportunity Stan Hywet Hall Holiday HelperS A behind-the-scenes look at the annual decking of Stan Hywet Hall If you think lugging a few boxes of ornaments out of your crawl space each year is a chore, it might be tough to fathom volunteering to erect one of the state’s most elaborate holiday displays. Yet every year, Stan Hywet counts on its ambitious corps of 100-plus volunteers who sign on to help the museum prepare for Deck the Hall. The festivities last just 27 days, but the preparation and planning begin 10 months before the tree is lit. “In 2007, we started planning in January, and I’d say this year was about the same,” says Kim Sorboro, the Collections Technician Specialist for Stan Hywet. “It just depends on how big the undertaking.” But no matter how ambitious the museum’s holiday “to do” list looks, Sorboro says they’re never short on volunteer help. “We pretty much have the same group every year,” she says, adding that some volunteers have carved out their niche over time. “Some of our volunteers have been here for twenty years,” she says. Of course, when it’s all said and done, Stan Hywet is sure to say thanks. “We have a volunteer appreciation night that takes place after we finish decorating, but before the event opens up,” says Sorboro. “Volunteer involvement is not only key, it is one of the museum’s many traditions maintained. In 1957, when the Seiberling heirs established the Estate as a community asset, it was volunteer run,” says Katie Campbell, Stan Hywet’s Vice President of Marketing. “Today, the volunteers remain an integral part of what we do.” —JP www.stanhywet.org 13 http://www.stanhywet.org

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Stan Hywet Hall and Garden Magazine - Fall/Winter 2008

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