Christmas Card Lane fuels seasonal spirits with original art

MADISON – Madison Arts Council or MAC is sponsoring Christmas Card Lane on Church and Front streets in the downtown historic district.

On Christmas Card Lane, local artists will exhibit their outdoor, life-size cards in homeowners’ front lawns on Church and Front streets. “You will find whimsical, traditional and religious themes among the many designs on display,” MAC President Tina Clark said.

Christmas Card Lane will open on Dec. 1. “This year will be different but just as festive,” she said.

The cards will be illuminated for six hours after sundown nightly during December. During the day, individuals can park on Main Street and stroll the sidewalks to admire the details of each design.

After viewing the Christmas cards, all visitors can cast a vote for their favorite card at artsmadison.org/christmas-card-lane. “Many of our cards were created by local artists, who can create a one-of-a-kind piece for your home or office, too,” Clark said.

Because of COVID-19 constraints, “Christmas Card Lane this year will be an encore-only event and voting will take place as in previous years. You will be able to vote only one time per device as previous years,” Clark said. “MAC will announce the ‘People’s Choice Top 5’ for 2020 on our website and Facebook.”

Voting for a favorite card will be available on Dec. 10-24.

One of the featured artists is Beth Paul, who created “The First Noel” for Christmas Card Lane. Paul’s design combines ornate calligraphy and pictorial representation of the Nativity in a peaceful message for the season.

Paul, an award-winning calligrapher and fine artist, earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Athens State University. “I am a longstanding member of IAMPETH, which is the International Association of Master Penmen, Educators and Teachers of Handwriting, as well as the current editor of Nashville Calligraphers Guild,” Paul said.

Paul has participated in numerous art exhibitions in Alabama and Tennessee and is one of only a few certified hand engravers who use a high-speed drill. A native of Madison County, she lives in Toney with her husband and two children.

For more information, visit artsmadison.org/christmas-card-lane or Facebook/ Christmas Card Lane – Madison, AL.