Art Mart encourages holiday spirit at Waldron

Girl Scout troops 261 and 256 of Marlin Elementary greeted guests with Christmas carols as they climbed the stairs to the auditorium of the John Waldron Arts Center for the Holiday Art Mart reception Friday. 

Executive Director Robert Hanrahan led the girls and their parents in singing “Must Be Santa”  as onlookers smiled.

“I thought the Girl Scouts would be an awesome caroling group,” said Girl Scout mother Danielle Willibey, who arranged for the girls to perform at the reception. “I knew that they would enjoy it, and I really want to support the Area Arts Council.” 

The auditorium was aglow with 17 decorated Christmas trees, and the festive atmosphere was completed with red tablecloths and potted poinsettias on the tables.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus mingled with the guests, greeting and chatting with them.

The event began with a performance of Christmas carols by The Nightingales, a choir from the Endwright Center in Ellettsville, with live piano music. The Girl Scouts later joined the choir for three songs.

Bloomington resident Thelma Richardson  also recited the poem “Santa’s Cake,”  which evoked delighted laughter and applause from the audience. 

The Silk Road Ensemble of Bloomington then performed traditional songs from the Silk Road region, which includes the area from Turkey to China.

Attendees sipped apple cider and snacked on chips, meatballs and cake as they enjoyed the entertainment. 

Bloomington resident Natalia Schau said she enjoyed the program.

“I’m enjoying it greatly,” she said. “It’s definitely getting me in the mood for the holidays.”

Throughout the evening, attendees browsed the collection of holiday gifts available at the Art Mart, which will continue through Dec. 23.  Bloomington resident Mike Girvin said he was very impressed while his wife, Theresa, nodded in agreement.

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “Everything’s displayed very well. Very nice pieces here.”

Hanrahan said the reception went very well.

“We had a very nice flow of people,” he said. “I think they got excited about the holidays, and that’s what it was all about.”