Christmas in the Mansion 2019-A Penguin Christmas

Others have wondered why I put so much passion into Christmas.  Do you?  I reply to those who ask and confirm for myself that my work itself exemplifies my encouragement and preservation of hope for myself and for others for now, during the Christmas season, and for the future.  After all, Christmas is the season of hope.  I truly believe that with today's challenges, the need for a more hopeful future for all of us is not just necessary, but essential.  Christmas allows each of us, as individuals, the opportunity to create those moments of hope, however big or small, in charitable work, entertaining, decorating or in other ways, for things we each define as a basic need for existence.  Things such as happiness, contentment and a more tranquil life (to name just a few).  So if the excitement and diligence that I may put into my own Christmas preparation and that of the museum has brought a special smile, a nostalgic memory, an inspiration to others, then I have accomplished what I set out to do -- to share in a hopeful and joyous undertaking for everyone.

This year has been particularly fun for me since it was a challenge to come up with something new and, of course, whimsical to decorate one of the rooms (the Doll Room) at the Rahr Art Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.   The annual Christmas in the Mansion exhibit at the museum began Wednesday, November 27, 2019 and will run through Sunday, January 5, 2020.  (Please see their website for more details or travel directions: Rahr Art Museum - Christmas in the Mansion).

You may remember that I did this room a few years back.  (See the link:  Granny's Country Christmas).  Since I wanted to stay with a theme suited for a toy room because of the dolls and doll houses located throughout the room, I decided to work with my collection of penguins, which were used in this year's Art of Tablesetting exhibit.  (See the table in the article, Art of Tablesetting 2019.

The cute face of the penguin and snowman in the framed art print was enough to inspire several months of work cutting and sewing over a dozen or more of black and white felt penguin ornaments with the sweetest and most happiest faces.  It would be next to impossible for them not to bring a smile or laugh or two to anyone who sees them.

So let's start off by visiting my display entitled, Christmas Playful Penguins, and my twenty-five words or less description written for the display.

Christmas Playful Penguins

The adorable penguin fashioned in their sophisticated tuxedo.

On their bellies, they slide like a sled on snow.

The penguin - every child's most loved toy.

A very happy and lovable penguin ornament.

Penguins are everywhere..........

Even as a tree topper on this tall slim tree.

The penguin and snowman art print works beautifully on the mantel.

Even little wooden penguins decorate the mantel.

A cute penguin mug awaits some rich and creamy hot chocolate and a polka dot cookie plate are placed on a bright and shiny sequin throw.

The first of two cookie jars which brings plenty of whimsy to the room.

The second penguin cookie jar is perfect on the little marble table placed in front of the fireplace.

Penguins are tucked everywhere thoughout the tree.

Black and white pom-pom balls fill each of the clear ornaments and topped with black and white checkered ribbon.

The detailed and beautifully made doll house in the room.

And, now, some of the other displays throughout the mansion.

I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of the Christmas in the Mansion exhibit at the Rahr Art Museum.  Be sure to stop in and see it for yourself if you are nearby.  It is sure to inspire hope and anticipation for the Christmas season.