Art Notes

I love small towns. I love their scenic charm, their local history, their strong sense of community and their fast ties to family heritage. Although my travels have taken me far from my own small town roots, I often find solace in visiting other villages and enjoying their traditions.

One such hamlet, and one that I truly love, is McAdenville, North Carolina. This quaint township was settled in 1881 and grew around a textile mill that has provided for the people who lived there over much of its 130 year history. But it was in 1956 that the folks of McAdenville transformed their town into a magical place and informally renamed their community "Christmastown U.S.A." Each year this little village, set along the picturesque South Fork River, shines as almost 400 living trees are decorated with thousands and thousands of twinkling holiday lights. Carolers take to the streets, wreaths are hung on lampposts, houses and city buildings alike are decorated to please the eye and touch the soul with Yuletide cheer. It is a magical time in the life of McAdenville and truly provides the lucky viewer a warm feeling of community, home and the holiday season.

My painting, The Lights of Christmastown, is a tribute to this wonderful small town and their delightful holiday tradition. In Christmastown, all the festivities of this most favorite time of year fills hearts with love and spreads an enduring joy to the world. May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!