Friends of the Palmer host vibrant, annual Holiday Art and Ornament Sale

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Shop for a cause this holiday season at the Friends of the Palmer Holiday Art and Ornament Sale. This year’s event runs through the weekend 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 and features one-of-a-kind ornaments, jewelry and artwork by invited artists, both regional and national. A members-only preview and reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 exclusively for members of the Friends.

The featured ornament for 2018 is by celebrated studio glass artist James Hayes of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Hayes’ inspiration for the hand-blown, ethereal glass bulbs came from the tile colors in the columns that make up the Palmer’s prominent façade, designed by innovative architect Charles Willard Moore. Every globe is unique in its pattern and distribution of color. 

Hayes has had numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States, many to highlight his glass ornaments. He has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and commissioned to design ornaments for the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in 2007 and for the White House Christmas Tree.

Funds raised through the weekend sale support more than 100 educational events and programs that happen annually at the museum and are offered to all visitors, admission-free.

"In addition to being a festive community event, the Holiday Art and Ornament sale allows the Friends to support numerous educational programs and events at the Palmer,” commented Friends Board President Elizabeth Laurenzana. "I am thrilled to have fellow Arkansan James Hayes as the commissioned artist for 2018. These colorful, scintillating ornaments are perfect for the holidays but also suitable for year-round display!"

As well as the commissioned ornament, the Holiday Art and Ornament Sale also spotlights work by other invited artists such as ornaments, small gifts and jewelry. 2018’s invitees are Lisa Baumgartner, Suzanne Decker, Staci Egan, Kimberly Brooks Filkins, Cathy Frank, Elli Groninger, Sue Harter, Jerry Jackson, Kat Oliva and Christine Stangel. Their artwork is known throughout the region as well as in nearby hubs such as New York and Philadelphia.

Ornaments from past years of the sale will be available for the first time through the Museum Store at discounted rates.

Another great gift idea during the holiday season is the gift of Friends membership. Becoming a Friend, or member, of the Palmer Museum of Art directly supports the organization and contributes to its educational impact. Membership may be purchased for as little as $35 a year and includes specially tailored benefits. Friends receive an exclusive, tri-annual Newsletter and Calendar of Events; a 10 percent discount on most items at the Museum Store; invitations to members-only events, such as opening exhibition receptions; and – of course – an invitation to the Friends’ annual Holiday Art and Ornament Sale preview reception.

For more information about this year’s Holiday Art and Ornament Sale, contact Amber Krieg at 814-863-9191 or adk5@psu.edu