From a press release:
Christmas crèches from around the world exhibit, Dec. 12
On Friday, December 12th, 2014, the First Inaugural “Christmas Crèches from Around the World” Exhibit will open to the public at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Asheville. The exhibit will run Friday and Saturday from 11 to 8 PM, and Sunday the 14th, from 12-8 PM. Admission is free.
A crèche, often called a nativity scene, is an artistic representation of the birth of Jesus Christ. While focusing on the central figures of the mother Mary and Christ Child, crèche artists often telescope time and place to bring together a host of earthly and heavenly participants—shepherds, animals, wise men, angels, and commoners.
For centuries, the crèche as an art form has spanned the globe, flourishing in homes and churches worldwide. Whether the crèche contains 19th century Italian villagers dressed in silks and jewels or contemporary African animal herders made of clay, each representation reflects the unique time and culture of the artist.
This exhibit is an ecumenical effort to highlight the cultural diversity of each crèche on display, while honoring and celebrating the common theme that runs throughout—the birth of Jesus.
Participating churches currently include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, First Baptist Church of Asheville, First Congregational United Church of Christ, First Presbyterian Church – Asheville, St. Eugene Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and Saints Joseph and Andrew Eastern Orthodox Mission Church. Local Christian churches that would like to participate in or support the event are encouraged to join us. Please visit www.ashevillenativity.org, for more information.
As a part of the exhibit, special musical performances will be held at the top of each hour. In addition, the Rev. Dr. Jerry Beaver, a crèche collector and educator will present “Creche: The Nativity Scene as Art”, an illustrated lecture on the history and use of the nativity scene in art, on Friday, Dec. 12th, at 7 PM. Admission to the lecture is also free.
Volunteers are needed to host the event and openings for musical groups, individual musicians, or choirs are still available in the performance schedule. Further information regarding volunteer and musical performance opportunities is available on the website mentioned above.
Nativity scenes are still being solicited for the exhibit. More information is available on the website or by emailing coordinator@ashevillenativity.org.
The First Baptist Church of Asheville is located at 5 Oak Street.
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