Christmas and creation stories in art on display at Artists Market Community Center

“The Story of Christmas in Classic Art” exhibit at the Artists Market Community Center, in Shohola, is on display now until Dec. 31. Included are images that track the story from when an angel first delivers Mary the news, in “The Annunciation,” by Fra Angelico (1440), to when the holy family are fugitives, hiding from Herod on their way home in “Rest on the Flight to Egypt” by Orazio Gentileschi (1626). A free holiday reception sponsored by the Barryville Area Arts Association will be held on December 4, from noon until 2 p.m.

Much of the work in this display was created during the Renaissance, sponsored by the Catholic Church, and includes religious themes. Also on display is a sister exhibit, “Creation Stories from Around the World”. This one includes artistic depictions of Native American, Ancient Egyptian, Hindu, Babylonian, Chinese, Ancient Greek, and Islamic creation stories.

For example, two images feature the Chinese Creation Story of how the universe began as a big, black cosmic egg. The egg gave birth to Pangu, who, in one image, is separating the Yin from the Yang with an axe.

The reception will also include a group exhibit created by local artists, including Jane Brennan, Christine Innaco, Mef Gannon, Susan Miiller, Greg Pelly, and Nancy Siegmund. Complimentary refreshments and a free set of ten Holiday greeting cards are available to all who attend.