Last fall, that’s a nostalgic phrase, when arranging the Nativity Exhibit featuring St Joseph, we talked about our theme for 2020. When choosing a subject we are mostly driven by what will make an interesting display and the elements which many collections can illustrate. And we also think about what will make an interesting narrative. So many of our visitors come each year to enjoy the diversity and color of the scenes but they also welcome the story we draw out of each display. A theme also gives those who generously loan their sets for the exhibit a new way to see their long held possessions.
So it turns out to especially resonate that way back in November, 2019, we decided on shelter for this year’s theme. Who could have imagined, only a few months ago, that the idea of shelter would become such a focus of all our lives. Shelter, for most, is security. For some the form of their shelter is a reflection of their status and style. For others it is a hard won, closely held measure of physical safety. For still others it remains an unattainable goal. What was shelter for the Holy Family? Remember they had left their home in Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem. The shelter they urgently sought was to be the place where the Child was born. And down through the history of portrayals of the Birth, the way the shelter has been shown, has said so much about artists and cultures. This year we will talk about shelter, and what it means and says about our humanity.
Admission is free – Our Christmas gift to you! We will be offering our Nativity Exhibit in a safe and socially-distant format. We ask that you wear a mask when viewing the Nativities and honor 6 ft. social distancing when viewing the exhibit. For more information call at (310) 377-4867 or email Sydne at .
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