NYC Parks Offers Unconventional Holiday Spirit with 33rd Annual Wreath Intepretations Exhibit

On Display at the Arsenal Gallery from December 4, 2015 - January 7, 2016

Just in time for the holiday season, Wreath Interpretations celebrates its 33rd anniversary with more wreaths than ever before. A holiday custom at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, this show puts an imaginative spin on the traditional symbol that has roots in antiquity. The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, December 4, 2015 and remains on display through January 7, 2016. An opening ceremony will be held in the gallery on Thursday, December 3, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

A diverse selection of 48 wreaths by fine artists, designers, and other spirited contributors enliven this ageless holiday symbol.

"The Wreath Interpretations exhibit is a holiday favorite everyone can enjoy," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "It is so fun to see visitors from all ages flock to the Arsenal gallery every year to take in the astounding craftsmanship that goes into each and every wreath. The exhibit's 33rd year will be no exception, offering fascinating visuals and materials. We encourage all New Yorkers and visitors to get in the spirit and seek out this fabulous free exhibit."

Venetian blinds, surge protectors, Q-tips, condoms, forged steel and lost winter gloves are among the many varied materials used to examine diverse themes ranging from jellyfish overpopulation to the upcoming presidential election. This exhibition is an imaginative and enjoyable must-see this holiday season.

The individuals and groups who created wreaths are: Carolyn Antonucci-Almeida, Emily Becker, John Bowman, Beryl Brenner, Yibing Chen, Patricia Clark, John Clarke, Penelope Coe, Rita Coelho, Oliver Corwin, Kirsten Do, Alexandra Dziedzic, Monica Forrestall, Hollis Fox, Edward Gormley, Kaitlin Griffin, Larry Hagberg, Judith Hoffman Corwin, Nadia Jarrett, Paul Johnson, Wendy Koo, George Kroenert, Sarah Langsam, Alexandra Leff, Charles McKinney, George Monje, Shivani Mithbaokar, Robert Mitchell, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Pike Street SACC, Wendy Popp, Rich Porpiglia, Randall's Island Park Alliance Horticulture Department, Leonora Retsas, Arlene Schulman, Brett Silvers, Ann Shostrom, Sorrentino Recreation Center, Anne Stanner, Vanessa Valdes, Shari Atwood, Sarah Fraizer, Venus Melo, Ava Chong, Tricia Vanderbeck and Yvette Castro, Robin Villa, Rachel Vine, Barbara Wallace, and Takeshi Yamada, Liz York, Audrey Zeidman, and Deborah Zingale.

Related Programming

Wreath Making with GreenThumb Staff

Create your own natural holiday wreath. All supplies will be provided. Open to all ages.

Wednesday, December 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Arsenal Gallery, Central Park

To RSVP, call (212) 602-5310.

Saturday, December 12, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The New York Botanical Garden, Harding Lab Room 110

To RSVP, call (718) 817-8026.

For a look at "Ghosts of Wreaths Past," visit NYC Parks' It's My Park website (http://youtu.be/o1MWX3yQBCg). The exhibition was organized by Parks & Recreation's Public Art Coordinator Jennifer Lantzas. Many of the wreaths are for sale with a portion of the sales benefiting NYC Parks' programs.

The Arsenal Gallery is dedicated to examining themes of nature, urban space, wildlife, New York City parks and park history. It is located on the third floor of the Parks Department Headquarters, in Central Park, on Fifth Avenue at 64th Street. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on the Arsenal Gallery, please call 212-360-8163.