MADISON – Visions of nostalgic traditions to comical, light-hearted cartoons are on display in Christmas Card Lane in downtown Madison. Madison Arts Council or MAC sponsors the artwork.

In its seventh year, Christmas Card Lane is a collection of original designs that local artists have painted on wooden flats or ‘canvases.’ Homeowners in the historic district along Church and Front streets have agreed for volunteers to place the large cards in their front lawns.

Christmas Card Lane is illuminated nightly for four hours after sundown. The cards will remain on display through Dec. 26. “You will find whimsical, traditional and religious themes among the many designs,” MAC President Tina Clark said.

Through Dec. 17, the public can vote on their favorite card. Only new cards will be eligible for voting. Additional cards have appeared in years past on Christmas Card Lane.

Individuals can vote for one of these new cards:

“Ice Skate” – By Gerald Clark. The card wishes “Merry Christmas” to all. In the scene, a young woman in a red velvet dress trimmed in white fur glides across the ice.

“The Grinch” – That dastardly chief of mischief, “The Grinch” takes a turnabout stance for the holiday as he states “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little more.” The Grinch is carving a “rare roast beast,” as his dog Max and Cindy Lou Who patiently wait for a taste of the feast. Artist Sandra Kellum.

* “Trash Panda Christmas” – Created by Ava Kennedy and Walker Hallman. This comical card shows ‘Santa Panda’ arriving in Alabama in his sleigh pulled by red-nosed Rudolph. Snowmen and drifts of snow on the ground resemble Alabama’s snow-white cotton fields. A group of candy canes spell out “Merry Christmas.” In the background, the Saturn V rocket is draped in bright lights and a holly wreath.

To vote, visit artsmadison.org/christmas-card-lane.

The encore cards were on display in previous years and not eligible for voting: “Let it Snow,” “Merry and Bright,” Stephanie Thompson; “Lights”; “Merry Christmas, Madison”; “Let it Snow,” Discovery Middle School; “Deck the Halls,” Lori Connors; “Alabama Cotton Christmas,” Emily Barkley; “Super Hero Christmas,” Miranda Hite; “The First Noel,” Beth Paul; “Frosty Snowmen,” “Country Christmas,” Gerald Clark; “Poinsettia,” Carolyn Dodson-Grimm; “Believe,” St. John Paul II Catholic High School; “Sweet Home Alabama,” Rotary Club of Madison; “Believe,” Denise Onwere; “Christmas Carolers,” “See You Next Year,” Sandy Sparks; “Joy to the World,” Laura Lusk; “The Nutcracker Toys,” Ella-Lisa Waddell.

For more information, visit artsmadison.org.