Christmas trees decorated by community members on display at museum

This Willy Wonka-themed tree comes with a photo op; decorated by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services. [Photo courtesy CF Appleton Museum of Art]

Through Jan. 12, the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is offering a display of trees decorated by community groups, organizations and businesses. The annual tradition is showcased alongside “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition.”

During the summer, the Appleton seeks participants from the community to provide and decorate themed trees to adorn the second-floor galleries during the holiday season.

“Each year, our participants provide beautifully decorated trees that reflect the mission and spirit of their organization, while others delight visitors with their imaginative designs,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director of the Appleton Museum of Art, in the press release. “We’re really happy to have such great representation from our community partners this year and we appreciate all of the hard work and thoughtfulness that is clearly reflected in their displays.”

This year’s participants include Appleton Artspace, Better Together, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, College of Central Florida, East Marion Elementary, Hands Up Communications with LN Signs and Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Humane Society of Marion County, North Central Florida Media and Urban Counseling.
Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program. Free First Saturdays are supported in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Marion Cultural Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts. Otherwise, regular admission fees apply.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7, the museum will host the annual Holiday Community Day, sponsored by the Urban family. Enjoy face painting, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts and more. For details, visit appletonmuseum.org

This tree features ornaments provided by local deaf families, decorated by Hands-Up Communications with LN Signs and the Greater Marion County Association of the Deaf. [Photo courtesy CF Appleton Museum of Art]