(November 26, 2008)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073 or Diane Dufilho at 318.869.5169.

Holiday Greening of Meadows Museum Takes Place Sunday Dec. 7

SHREVEPORT, La.— With a flip of a switch, the Meadows Museum of Art will be ushered into the holiday season Sunday, Dec. 7, when the museum is transformed with the scents, sounds and simplicity of a traditional "Williamsburg-style" Christmas. The festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. with the "Lighting of the Museum."

Meadows Museum

Co-sponsored by Insty-Prints and the Highland Restoration Association, the museum will be decorated using familiar yet distinctive images of a traditional Colonial Williamsburg Christmas that have become a cherished staple of American culture. Volunteers will decorate the building using natural evergreens, holly and berries, as well as brightly-colored natural fruits, and centerpieces. A single lit candle, although battery operated, will be placed in each window, another tradition that dates back to Colonial Williamsburg to showcase renovations made to buildings.

"We were told about the project and very happy to be involved," said Highland Restoration Association president, Teresa Edgerton. "This is a convergence of a lot of people and ideas and we thought this was a great opportunity to continue our partnership with the Museum."

Along with the greening of the museum, activities will take place leading up to the Lighting Ceremony. "There will be something for everyone," said Sarah Scott, Greening Committee Chairman. "We will have children's readings, Christmas ornament decorating, door prizes and children's choir. This will be a special event for us at the museum."

Activities planned include:

  • 2:30 p.m.: Live auto harp holiday music, refreshments, gift shop browsing
  • 3:00 p.m.: Traditional Christmas story telling with Jeannine Pasini Beekman. Age-old tales are given new life through the fresh interpretations of Jeannine Pasini Beekman. Known for the wit, passion and integrity of her work, listeners of all ages are enthralled and delighted by her vivid characterizations and masterful use of language. In keeping with the theme, there will be no props, books or costumes...only the story teller and the audience. The Baker's Dozen, a colonial legend about St. Nicolas and a retelling of Roark Bradford's How Come Christmas.
  • 3:30 p.m.: Pomander ornament decorations
  • 4:10 p.m.: Origami dove ornament decorations
  • 4:30 p.m.: Christmas wreath ornament decorations
  • 5:00 p.m.: Drawing for Gingerbread Houses made by Sarah Scott, and "Lighting of the Museum."
  • 5:05 p.m.: Community Renewal Children's Choir performance. The children's' choir will perform holiday selections.

The "greening of the museum" event and all activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Diane Dufilho, Museum Director at 318.869.5169.


About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.