INDIANAPOLIS — As its name suggests, the Indiana State Museum represents every corner of the Hoosier state.
David McDaniel, the museum’s coordinator of performing arts, even found a way to incorporate all of Indiana into the museum’s annual Christmas display.
Within Celebration Crossing is a 25-foot Christmas tree in the great hall featuring handmade ornaments from each of the state’s 92 counties.
“I’m always looking for something to create additional participation from around the state,” McDaniel said.
The project started before Christmas last year. It was based on a similar initiative done more than 20 years ago, only not on this scale. McDaniel contacted each county’s historical society to find an artist who could make an ornament for his or her respective county.
“Each county was free to do what it wanted,” McDaniel said. “That brought out unique perspectives on what each county has.”
Dinah Miller of North Salem was recommended by another artist to represent Hendricks County. A long-arm quilter for 25 years now, she quilts professionally and has customers nationwide and internationally.
“I love it,” Miller said of her work. “It’s a creative outlet for me.”
Coming up with something representative of this county proved to be a challenge.
“Hendricks County is so diverse,” Miller said. “We’ve got the hustle and bustle of Avon and Plainfield, but the northwest corner is rolling and rural with creeks and woods. We’re not known for one specific thing.”
Ultimately Miller, who learned quilting from her grandmother, settled on a two-sided ornament. One side features a pineapple block, which is a traditional symbol for hospitality. The other side depicts a winter landscape found in Miller’s hometown of North Salem.
“Landscape quilts are my favorite to do, so that decision was easy,” said Miller, who was born and raised in Pittsboro.
This is the second Christmas Miller’s ornament has been on display.
“I went right away last year (to see it),” she said. “It’s thrilling, really neat to represent Hendricks County.”
McDaniel said there are still eight counties that have yet to turn in ornaments. Others now have multiple ones on display.
“I view it as a continual program,” he said.
Feedback from visitors has been positive. The exhibit includes a book containing biographies of each artist, along with statements explaining why they chose their design.
“The ornaments are really interesting,” Miller said. “You can look at each one and see how the artists have really done a nice job of representing their counties. It’s nice to see how the state is represented.”
Celebration Crossing also includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Santa Claus Express, children’s crafts, and a recreated L.S. Ayres department store window.
Reservations may be made to Santa’s Holiday Breakfast in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room Saturdays through Dec. 26 by calling 232-1637. Peewinkle’s Christmas Puppet Show runs through Dec. 29. Reservations are required. Tickets are $10 per person, $8 for museum members, and free for children younger than 2. For dates, times, and tickets, call 232-1637.
Admission to Celebration Crossing is free for museum members or included with general admission, which is $7 for adults, $6.50 for senior citizens, and $4 for children ages 3 to 12. For more information, visit the website at www.indianamuseum.org.
wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com
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