‘Festival of Wreaths’ sparkles in library exhibit

Bright and shiny wreaths in both Christmas themes and organizations’ colors are appearing in the first-ever “Festival of Wreaths” at Madison Public Library.

Wreath by Madison Arts Council (Photo by Gregg L. Parker)

Sponsored by Friends of the Madison Library, the wreaths will be on exhibit through Jan. 7. The ‘Friends’ invited non-profit organizations, artists, municipal offices and other civic groups to create a wreath that depicts their work or outreach, president Stephenie Walker said.

“The Friends wanted ‘to deck the library halls’ in Madison during the holiday season,” Walker said.

For its wreath, Mayor Troy Trulock’s office presented a traditional scheme with silver bow and trim, cardinal and red berries. Madison Hospital Women’s Council created a whimsical design with bandages, stethoscope and gauze bow.

Susana Isabel Vizcarra designed one of the most unusual and beautiful wreaths with origami cranes in tribute to the book, “Sadako’s 1,001 Paper Cranes.”

Madison Police Department let down their guard with a comical wreath decorated with handcuffs, badges, police dog, toy patrol car and a flashy bow of yellow crime-scene tape. Madison Arts Council’s wreath holds a Phantom of the Opera mask, painting palette, framed painting, a ballerina, French horn and trumpet.

“Madison Murder Ink Bookclub decorated with noir-esque book covers,” Walker said. Fernando Rafael Vizcarra chose a “Lord of the Rings” theme with “The Eye of Sauron. Madison Senior Center’s wreath has Bingo cards as ornaments.

Other contributors include Madison Garden Club, Messiah Lutheran Church, North Alabama Railroad Museum, Madison Library Garden Rangers, Wives Behind the Badge, Madison City Council, American Legion, Rotary Club of Madison, American Association of University Women, Edgewater Homeowners Association and the National Association of Social Workers, Alabama Chapter.

Madison Police Department wreath (Photo by Gregg L. Parker)

The festival will give high exposure to participating groups and organizations. “Madison Public Library is the busiest in the system. Many non-profit groups have little to no budget for publicity. This is a festive, inexpensive way to raise awareness of community organizations and their work,” Walker said.

To view the wreaths, visit Facebook/Madison Record and select the “Festival of Wreaths” album.

For more information, call 256-426-8300 or send email to madisonfriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com.