Festival of Trees artist creates ‘Joy to the World’ artwork

“Joy to the World” is the theme for the 36th annual event Nov. 19-24. 

“When I thought about what that theme means to me, my first thought was the dove,” said Minard, who teaches K-12 art in Traer for North Tama Community School District.

“The dove has been symbolic of peace throughout history and in many cultures. I thought most people could relate to the dove and the search for joy, peace and contentment,” she explained. 

A community tradition, the festival creates cherished memories and is a major fundraiser for MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center, said Stephanie Eagan, MercyOne fund development and event coordinator.

“People look forward to the festival every year. We expect all events to sell out. Everyone loves the fabulous trees, too, and we’re seeing younger people get involved with decorating the trees,” Eagan said.

Activities take place at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Registration is open now through noon Nov. 8 online at mercyone.org/northeastiowa/giving/festival-of-trees or by calling (319) 268-3161 to check for openings.

Traditional favorites will return – including the Gallery of Trees, Santa’s Workshop and Teddy Bear Tea – joined by several new events. “We like to keep people engaged by adding something new or changing an existing event,” Eagan explained.

Minard said she was “floored” to be invited to represent the Festival of Trees theme.

“The greatest thing as an art teacher is melding being an artist and teacher into one. I love being able to pursue my art, and this has been a wonderful experience.”

The artwork will be displayed throughout the festival and featured in the online silent auction. Bidding begins Nov. 13 and closes at 2 p.m. Nov. 24.

In Minard’s painting, the dove is flying across the world as various landscapes from urban to rural and snow to ocean stream off its spread wings.

“It’s a snapshot of our world and all its different landscapes and experiences. I let my brush define the scene and tell me what to paint,” she explained.

The dove holds a clutch of gold ribbons in its feet “symbolizing that while we have different values and beliefs, we are tied together by the pursuit of joy and peace.”

She used acrylics with touches of metallic paint for an ambient glow. It is finished with a clear coat.

“I love how it brings out the brush strokes and gives the colors a freshly painted intensity,” added Minard, who graduated with a degree in art with painting emphasis from the University of Northern Iowa. She later returned and earned an arts education degree in 2011.

Minard will present her artwork at the Festival at Night/Tree Lighting from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 as a VIP guest. Reservations are required.

On Nov. 20, “Uncork a Festive Spirit” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the GBPAC lobby will feature wine sampling for participants over 21, with food prepared by Moment in Thyme. Darren Winkowitsch and Jodi and Jim Landau are collaborating to present five fine wines for tasting. Tickets are $60 per person. Reservations are required.

On Nov. 21, the popular Holiday Breakfast supporting the military takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. in the lobby. The patriotic event pays tribute to veterans and active-duty service personnel. Cost is $10; seating is limited and reservations are required.

Games in the Trees follows from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21, with reservations required (tables of four). Cost is $80 for a table.

The Red Sleigh Event, a holiday program for youths with autism or developmental disabilities and their families, returns from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 in Jebe Hall Room 30 at the GBPAC. The sensory-friendly event will feature crafts, story time and a visit with Santa. Each child will take home a stuffed animal and holiday treat bag.

On Nov. 22, the annual luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in GBPAC lobby has been renamed “Joy Through the Generations,” Eagan said. MercyOne employees from baby boomers and Gen-Xers to millennials and Generation Z will be modeling clothing. Corn Crib Creations from Grundy Center is catering the luncheon. Kristle Davis, founder of Kaden’s Kloset, is chairing the event. Participants are asked to bring a child’s outfit to be entered into a raffle.

Santa’s Workshop is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 23 in the GBPAC lobby. Admission is free for children accompanied by an adult. From 6 to 8:30 a.m., the new “Tree-mendous Trivia Night” takes place in GBPAC’s Davis Hall.

“We’re really excited about this event. It should be lots of fun and very competitive with Christmas and general trivia. Bob Westerman from 93.5 The Mix will be our emcee,” Eagan said.

Tickets are $200 for a team of six and $240 for a team of eight. Reservations are required.

On Nov. 24, the Teddy Bear Tea is from noon to 12:30 p.m. in GBPAC’s Davis Hall. Tickets are $12 per child under 10 and $18 per adult; reservations required. There will be food, a photo booth, a performance by Kud Kolo and a visit from Santa. Each child will take home a stuffed teddy bear.

Gallery and gift shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 20; 4:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21; 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 23 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24. Admission is free.

Wreaths and table settings will be displayed in the gallery and mezzanine spaces. There also will be beer and wine raffles.