Festival of Wreaths entries due Dec. 1 at library

MADISON – Fire up the glue gun! The Friends of the Madison Public Library are sponsoring the second annual “Festival of Wreaths.”

Madison Arts Council submitted this wreath in 2012. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

The ‘Friends’ invite non-profit organizations to celebrate the holiday spirit by designing a wreath “to represent their organization or create a theme around their favorite book or author,” coordinator Mary Wood said. Artists also are welcome to participate.

“The Festival of Wreaths celebrates all the good things in our community, and community is an important part of all holiday celebrations,” Wood said.

Decorated wreaths will be displayed on bookshelves at Madison Public Library from Dec. 2 through Jan. 6, 2014. All entries must be submitted to the library by Dec. 1.

Instead of a contest atmosphere, the festival “is more of a showcase for local artists and area non-profit groups,” Wood said.

“Madison Public Library is a very busy place, with a large number of local patrons coming through the doors every day of the week,” Wood said. “Hanging a wreath in the library is essentially free advertising for any group or artist who participates in the festival.”

In addition, the festival offers an effective venue “to get your organization’s message out to the community at large and also show community support for the library,” she said.

Wreaths should not exceed 20 inches wide and 20 inches tall. Weight should not exceed three pounds.

Wreaths should not have live greenery or food items that would deteriorate. Acceptable materials include ornaments, ribbon, glitter, artificial greenery, leaves, dried flowers, toys, pottery, fabric and recycled materials.

In 2012, 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 held a Phantom of the Opera mask, painting palette, framed painting, a ballerina, French horn and trumpet.

For an application and guidelines, visit Madison Public Library, 130 Plaza Blvd. or Facebook/madison-friends-of-the-library. To contact the Friends of the Madison Public Library, call 256-426-8300 or email to madisonfriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com.