11/4/02
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History’s annual series of free events and holiday exhibitions at the Cultural Center in the State Capitol Complex will begin on Friday, Nov. 29. Highlighted by a craft fair, children’s activities and seasonal decorations, the celebration will continue through Jan. 2, 2003.
This holiday season the Cultural Center will be decorated by the Kanawha Garden Council of the West Virginia Garden Clubs to complement the theme “All Wrapped Up.” Decorated trees will stand on either side of the entrance to the Cultural Center, and garlands will be draped along the railings and around the lampposts. An 18-foot tree constructed of colorfully wrapped packages will greet visitors as they enter the Great Hall, and wreaths will grace the marble walls. In the lobby, stars and snowflakes will provide the backdrop for an antique sleigh loaded with presents. The Council’s annual exhibit of holiday trees representing countries from around the world will be on display in the balcony.
Holiday shoppers can bring their gift lists and shop in ease at the Holiday Craft Fair Friday through Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Sixteen of West Virginia’s finest artists and craftspeople will display gifts for every taste and pocketbook. Vendors will include Judy Belcher Designs of Saint Albans (polymer clay jewelry); Candles with a Twist of Cross Lanes (hand-carved candles); Betty Dial of Huntington (fabric Santas and snowmen, and quilted items); Doves Eyes Ltd. of Saint Albans (Hardanger embroidery); First Glass of Charleston (glass); Fu-Zhen, Inc., of Charleston (stained glass, metal, beaded mosaics and ornaments); Garden Treasures of Clem (herbal soaps, dried and pressed flower items, potpourri and wreaths); Holcomb’s Woodworking of Spencer (musical instruments); Isalene’s Inspirations of Dunbar (hand-crafted wire jewelry); It’s Out of My Hands of Saint Albans (polymer clay home decor and jewelry); K-Mac Mills of Mount Nebo (stone-ground meals and flour mixes, chili mixes and seasonings); LeeJun Farm of Chloe (woven wheat and straw art); Quilted Treasures of Clay (handmade quilts and other patchwork items); Spoons & Sweets, Inc., of Cottageville (specialty foods, handmade wooden utensils, gift boxes and baskets); The Candy Factory of Charleston (candy and gingerbread houses); and Zephyrus of Harmony (stained glass and Celtic jewelry). Craft fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Families are invited to make holiday wreaths as part of the Division’s Free Family Fun Day program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30. Instructions and materials will be supplied. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
On Sunday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be an opening reception for the holiday exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy refreshments as they view the decorations and take in a 3 p.m. performance of seasonal music by the Charleston Metropolitan Band.
Children are invited to make holiday crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first three Saturdays in December, including snow globes on Dec. 7, gingerbread houses on Dec. 14 and wrapping paper on Dec. 21. The young and young-of-heart alike will be delighted by “Choo Choo . . . Trains,” the Dec. 7-15 display of model trains sponsored by the Island Creek Model Railroad Club of Logan.
Regular hours for the Cultural Center are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Archives Library is closed on Sunday. Check local listings for extended hours during special holiday programming. All events are free and open to the public. Evening and weekend parking is free. For more information or for a complete schedule of holiday activities at the Cultural Center, call (304) 558-0162 or visit the Division’s website at www.wvculture.org.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. Department of Arts, Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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