Mary Tong (San Francisco, California, United States)
Octavius the Octopus
Felt, paper, and old tennis balls
Beginning in 2004, I began recycling my old used tennis balls and make them into Christmas ornaments for friends and family. Each year, I make 55 ornaments of the same design with varying color combinations. These are from the last five years.
Amy Beth Finegold (New York, New York, United States)
Golden Lit Palm Trees
Colored pencil, gel markers, recycled paper, and cardboard
https://www.facebook.com/amy.finegold
https://www.instagram.com/amybeth349
https://www.twitter.com/FinegoldAmy
This picture represents beautiful palm trees lit with tiny gold lights for winter holidays in Florida. I used colored pencils and gel markers to add touches of gold. There are two Christmas trees with the water and sand in the background.
Mary Nesnay (Woodland Park, New Jersey, United States)
Up on the Housetop
Paper
https://www.instagram.com/mnesnay
https://www.starspangledheart.com
This book sculpture captures the joy of Christmas night when Santa and his reindeer begin their magical journey to deliver toys to all good children. Red and white paper strips were quilled to create Santa Claus. The reindeer were cut from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” sheet music. Each deer’s name can be seen on their face. The sleigh was crafted from "Up on the Housetop" sheet music. A book was used to construct the roof with a paper chimney placed on top, along with lights and snow.
Amy Nelder (San Francisco, California, United States)
Apples and Honey, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
https://www.facebook.com/people/Amy-Nelder-Art/100063855647949/
https://www.instagram.com/AmyNelderArt
We celebrate multiple traditions—from gifty and spiritual holidays, to recognizing the solstice and how nature's cycles affect us—not just in fall and winter, but throughout the year. The Rosh Hashanah tradition of apples and honey reminds me how often we communicate via the language of nature's gifts. The past few years, some parts of our traditions and celebrations have been interrupted, even overshadowed, by the pandemic, but my painting Apples and Honey honors our perseverence.
Katherine Langdon (San Francisco, California, United States)
Deck the Boughs with Ray Apparel
Photograph
I've always suspected that the Euro-American tradition of decorating our homes in the winter with greenery, rich colors, and a bit of sparkle is an instinctive effort to recapture the natural splendor of a warmer, lush time of year. Maybe we're striving for something like this sunlit autumn evening in the Presidio National Park, when the setting sun gilded the trees, the water glittered, and all felt content.
Sophia Solomon (Woodside, California, United States)
Madonna in Nature
Ceramic
This piece was sculpted as a semi-self portrait with my fond admiration for nature in mind.
Amy Beth Finegold (New York, New York, United States)
Under the Banyan Tree
Acrylic paint, markers, recycled paper, and cardboard
https://www.facebook.com/amy.finegold
https://www.instagram.com/amybeth349
https://www.twitter.com/FinegoldAmy
I was inspired by the large Banyan trees and animals from The Jungle Book (1967). I particularly liked the reactions of the Python Kaa. The animals rested and moved under the beautifully detailed Banyan Tree.
Mary Nesnay (Woodland Park, New Jersey, United States)
Cloth Santa with Reindeer
Fiber and cloth
https://www.instagram.com/mnesnay
https://www.starspangledheart.com
Each cloth piece was sewn by hand. Wool, felt, linen, and crushed velvet, were selected as the fabrics. Santa’s face was painted. Wool was felted onto his head (hair) and chin (beard). His coat was sewn with crushed velvet with wool sleeves and collar. Each deer had cord sewn through it to create their reins, along with chain on each side. A blanket was placed on their back with 15 beads individually attached by hand and a bell hanging from their collar. Branches were used for legs and antlers.
Chloe Medina (Burlingame, California, United States)
Swirling
Marker and paint on mixed media paper
The holidays remind me of family and magic. Something about the season always felt more than reality to me, which inspired the more whimsical aspects of the piece—the glowing stars and color pallette. I live in an area with lush fields but no snow, so I wanted to portray that in this piece. I hope to show the magic of exchanging gifts with those you love along with the young anticipation of receiving them.
Katherine Langdon (San Francisco, California, United States)
Poçhutukawa: Christmas in New Zealand
Photograph
Yuletide in New Zealand is the heart of summer, but those who associate the holiday with rich reds and greens are pleased to encounter the charismatic native tree that has become embraced as the Kiwi "Christmas tree", the poçhutukawa, whose pouffy crimson blossoms lend a natural festive flair to the season.
Joshua Bell Solomon and Judith Komoroske (California, United States)
Rêve d’hiver
Paper mâché and photographs
Amy Beth Finegold (New York, New York, United States)
2D Kaleidoscope of Jungle Animals
Paper, markers, and recycled cardboard
https://www.facebook.com/amy.finegold
https://www.instagram.com/amybeth349
https://www.twitter.com/FinegoldAmy
Rereading The Jungle Book (1894) and rewatching the animated movie inspired me to create a recycled tree with a variety of jungle animals. This sculpture reminded me of a kaleidoscope with bright colored animals. A kaleidoscope is a fun holiday children’s toy that moves when you turn it.
Michael Arthur Grim (San Francisco, California, United States)
A Winter Night's Exploration
Digital
This is part of a series of family Christmas cards featuring our family Vizsla Miles (Mr. D) on a winter night's exploration. He loved the snow and adventures in the forests and mountains of California.
Mackenzie Bowles (Oakland, California, United States)
Observing the Constellations
Watercolor
https://www.facebook.com/people/Amy-Nelder-Art/100063855647949/
https://www.instagram.com/doodlesbymack
Caylie Noelle Gonzalez (San Francisco, California, United States)
Flower Fireworks on New Year's Eve
Paint on canvas
My painting shows my love of nature mixed with one my favorite holiday traditions.
Jasmine Grace Lee (Millbrae, California, United States)
Candy Cane Lane
Cardboard, yarn, paper, and wire
Candy Cane Lane is a street in Palm Springs with a tradition to decorate their houses during the holidays. It's a beloved street full of Christmas cheer.
Amy Beth Finegold (New York, New York, United States)
Lush Green Tree
Paper straws, acrylic and watercolor paint, and paper napkin
https://www.facebook.com/amy.finegold
https://www.instagram.com/amybeth349
https://www.twitter.com/FinegoldAmy
When I think of the holidays, I think of tropical colors in warm places with touches of red. I used a paper straw cut into strips to make tiny green flowers with red buds mixed in between green leaves. I dipped the straw into acrylic paint, swirled the straw around the paint, and stamped it on the paper. I placed cutouts of leaves from a paper napkin to make the tree come alive.
Jennifer Andicochea Quan (Whittier, California, United States)
Sugar Cookie
Acrylic on bristol and Grafix Dura-Lar®
https://jaqdesign.myportfolio.com/
When I think of celebrating the holidays, I think of when my grandma and my mom would make sugar cookies. I've depicted three different cookies that are my favorite.
Judith Roach Komoroske (Menlo Park, California, United States)
Winter Scene
Photograph
Jenna L'Italien-Uppal (Novato, California, United States)
Merry and Bright
Tempra paint, ink, and glitter glue on paper
Ever since I was a child, my family always made sure to have beautiful Poinsettia flowers around our home during the holiday season.
Tracie Timmer (San Francisco, California, United States)
Comfort and Cats
Digital illustration
https://instagram.com/tracietillustrations
https://www.ttillustrations.com
Michael Arthur Grim (San Francisco, California, United States)
A Winter Night's Exploration
Digital
This is part of a series of family Christmas cards featuring our family Vizsla Miles (Mr D.) on a winter night's exploration. He loved the snow and adventures in the forests and mountains of California.
Amy Beth Finegold (New York, New York, United States)
Holiday Straw Tree
Paper straw, acrylic and watercolor paint, recycled paper, and cardboard
https://www.facebook.com/amy.finegold
https://www.instagram.com/amybeth349
https://www.twitter.com/FinegoldAmy
This holiday tree was created using a paper straw cut into strips. I swirled the straw in acrylic paint and stamped little images of flowers in red and green. The holidays are bright and colorful for all. I used watercolors to build my background. The bright colors in The Jungle Book inspired me to create this holiday tree.
Sofia Schofield (San Carlos, California, United States)
Snowy Bell Tower Scene
Photograph
https://www.instagram.com/anabellaandsofia
Judith Roach Komoroske (Menlo Park, California, United States)
Winter Scene 2
Photograph
Judith Roach Komoroske (Menlo Park, California, United States)
Winter Scene 3
Photograph
Chloe Medina (Burlingame, California, United States)
Illuminate
Digital
For this piece, I wanted to capture the feeling of a story, as I have fond memories of being told whimsical tales around the holidays. I particularly enjoyed drawing the scenery and wanted it to become more vibrant closer to the light.
Thomas Walsh (Joliet, Illinois, United States)
Symphony of the Jungle
Digital
https://www.artofthomaswalsh.com
With this piece, Symphony of the Jungle, I wanted to further explore the environment within the original world of Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book (1967). The main idea behind this concept was to achieve a sense of illumination and to convey a sense of connection, even within the darkest corners of the jungle.
Crystal Bhimji (Moorpark, California, United States)
Can't Wait
Digital
https://www.instagram.com/crystalbhimji
Everyone likes to shake their presents under the tree, but not everyone gets caught.
Mary Ann Kayser (Corte Madera, California, United States)
Believe
Embroidery
Mona Biswarupa Mohanty (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
The Night Raga
Digital
https://www.instagram.com/monnerisms
In my little town in India, holidays mostly coincided with festivals. Festivals often revolved around celebrating and worshipping nature in its many forms, with folklores and mythology often personifying nature. Taking inspiration from my childhood memories and my culture and heritage, this artwork depicts a spring night as a beautiful woman. Fragrant night flowers, a gentle breeze and the crescent moon, as if night is getting dressed to become a piece of beautiful music, The Night Raga.
Eric Mikel Bogue (Livermore, California, United States)
A California Holiday
Watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, and metallic inks
https://www.instagram.com/xDivineChaosx
Celebrating the holidays in "Sunny California" really relies on traditions of decorating to make your season feel like the winter holidays. It becomes very important to blend the iconography of the winter season with the natural landscape, to turn the lush vegetation and golden hills of California into a winter wonderland—like placing a snowman with lights and ornaments in a pepper tree.
Josseline Tanus (Alameda, California, United States)
Winter Solstice
Digital
I have always loved winter. Getting cozy in an oversized sweater with a hot tea in one hand and a good book in the other, two cats on my lap, and a blanket to top it all. This piece is my homage to my love for winter and all the beauty that it brings—with some extra magic to celebrate the holidays. I hope you enjoy my piece as much as I enjoyed making it.
Andi Chadwell (Surprise, Arizona, United States)
Christmas All Year
Medium-density fiberboards, wood, cardstock, brick, paper clip, paper towel, glue, felt, and a wood bead
https://www.instagram.com/small_world_of_minis
This home is the wonderful image of Christmas in 3D that can be played with to keep the memories of Christmas around all year long.
Charles F. Pitts, Jr. (Laguna Niguel, California, United States)
The Beginning of a Dream
Photograph
In celebration of the dreams and imagination of Walt Disney, this multiple exposure photo represents the beginnings of those dreams. Pictured is the "Son of Dreaming Tree" and the recreated barn on the original family farm in Marceline, Missouri. As Walt once said, "To tell the truth, more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since—or are likely to in the future. " This was a photo taken using Elias Disney's original 1909 (patent date) Kodak 2A model B.
Tanay Mohanty (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
The Dream Hills
Digital
https://www.instagram.com/t_a_n_s_creative_lab/
The holiday season always meant limitless freedom for me—freedom akin to that of a bird flying in the free blue sky. My artwork represnts the spirit of joy that comes when you finally step away from the study desk and lose yourself in the infinite embrace of nature. My artwork The Dream Hills captures one of my joyful memories of a sunrise during one of our family campings by the hills.
Alejandro Carrillo De La Fuente (Alex Carrillo) (Saltillo, Mexico)
Magical Holiday Environment
Digital illustration
https://www.instagram.com/alexcarrillo.art
https://twitter.com/alexcarrillof
This wonderful time of the year is full of beautiful holidays. For this year’s Spirit of the Season exhibition, I created this artwork with a colorful winter town full of holidays with abundant and symbolic flowers from around the world. This artwork represents the people coming together to light up the environment with flora, nature, and their traditions to create a magical and memorable time.
Mona Biswarupa Mohanty (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
The Night Raga
Digital
https://www.instagram.com/monnerisms
In my little town in India, holidays mostly coincided with festivals. Festivals often revolve around celebrating and worshiping nature in its many forms, with folklores and mythology often personifying nature. Taking inspiration from my childhood memories and my culture and heritage, this artwork depicts a spring night as a beautiful woman. Fragrant night flowers, a gentle breeze and the crescent moon, as if night is getting dressed to become a piece of beautiful music, The Night Raga.
Katie Judson (Prince Edward Island, Canada)
Holly Jolly
Digital
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-judson-73b22222
https://katiejudsonportfolio.blogspot.com/
Christmas trees are one of my favourite traditions of the Christmas holidays. No matter how elaborate or humble, they bring me so much joy. A beautiful, majestic gift of nature adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments—each with their own story to tell—and that piney aroma that unlocks memories of Christmases past.
Alex Name (Alexandria, Virginia, United States)
Serenity (Lake in Sudbury, Canada)
Watercolor
https://www.instagram.com/alex_watercolors
https://www.watercolorsbyalexname.com
Serenity reflects the calm atmosphere imprinted on that calm lake joining the sky, and framed with that tree and rocky shore.
Ida Williamson (Lynnwood, Washington, United States)
Brighten up the Season
Straw wreath, tulle, silk leaves, silk flowers, and embroidery on felt
I wanted to share something bright for the season. Using leaves and flowers found in The Jungle Book (1967) and then adding some shiny leaves, I feel this brings the holidays into the jungle. The phrase, right out of the movie, wishes us all to relax and enjoy the season.
Alejandro Carrillo De La Fuente (Alex Carrillo) (Saltillo, Mexico)
Nature, Happiness, and Holidays
Digital illustration
https://www.instagram.com/alexcarrillo.art
https://twitter.com/alexcarrillof
One of the most amazing things about holidays is the variety of plant matter used in all of them. For this year’s Spirit of the Season exhibition, I created this artwork with people from around the world celebrating their different traditions and the incredible plants, trees, and flowers that form our beautiful environment and lend themselves to holiday symbolism.
I would like to dedicate this illustration to my beautiful family, especially my mom, my dad, my brother, and my grandma.
Logan Hale Klenk (San Jose, California)
A Peek Through Santa's Window
Pencil, colored pencil, and acrylic paint
Have you ever wondered how Santa celebrates Christmas? In this piece, after a joyful sleigh ride around the world, Santa and his elves exchange presents in front of a crackling fire. If you lean in, you can almost hear the warble of the gramophone and smell the cookies baking.
Katie Judson (Prince Edward Island, Canada)
Winter Waltz
Digital
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-judson-73b22222
https://katiejudsonportfolio.blogspot.com/
One of my favorite holiday traditions is ice skating outdoors in the brisk, cool winter air surrounded by snow and trees and sparkling lights. It always feels joyous, energizing, and romantic. No matter how cold our toes get or how red our cheeks become, there is always a smile on our faces, happiness in our hearts, and excitement in knowing hot cocoa and marshmallows await!
Alex Name (Alexandria, Virginia, United States)
Peace and Clouds (Calabasas Lake)
Watercolor
https://www.instagram.com/alex_watercolors
https://www.watercolorsbyalexname.com
The mirror reflection of the clouds and trees on that calm lake brings peace to any soul contemplating it. Long, unforgettable walks with my dog Simba (who is now seriously missed since his passing).
Relaxed times, spent meditating and enjoying all the daily free gifts from nature.
Vanessa Salgado (Salisbury, Maryland, United States)
Waltz of the Flowers
Digital illustration
The Waltz of the Flowers is a digital illustration that celebrates the holiday tradition of the Nutcracker. This work was inspired in part by the book, The Queens of Animation (2019) and the early female animators that took an interest in Tchaikovsky’s famous "Nutcracker" score.
John Frederick Barrows, SWA (Belmont, California, United States)
Dickens Violinists
Oil on canvas
To me, the spirit of the season is Christmas, when my family and friends make time to get together to celebrate. It's the music and art events, like when I open my art studio at Art-Bias for the public. It's the festivities like the Dickens Fair where its great fun to paint the characters. It's also the Santa Claus ads by Haddon Sundblom that have inspired me to be the artist that I am today.
Mary Tong (San Francisco, California, United States)
Tennis Ball Ornaments
Felt, paper, and old tennis balls
Beginning in 2004, I began recycling my old used tennis balls to make them into Christmas ornaments for friends and family. Each year, I make 55 ornaments of the same design with varying color combinations. These are from the last five years.
Rhiannon Nicole Rudick (Eureka, California, United States)
Hunting Traditions
Skull and beadwork
https://www.instagram.com/rhiannonnicole81
In my family, Autumn is harvest season. We have traditions of picking apples from our apple trees, going camping in the forest, hiking in the mountains, and hunting game like bear and deer. We honor the natural world and all it provides, feeding us in the fall and then storing it for the long winter ahead.
Raymond Stovich (San Jose, California, United States)
The Memory Book
Watercolor paint and mixed media
A Polish Christmas Eve: Mom and Grandma cook and bake all day while Dad and I deliver gifts and cookies then decorate the tree. I finally get to put the angel on top!
Later, the whole family gathers to break bread, exchange wishes for the coming year, and feast. Afterwards, Grandpa leads us in singing carols until Santa appears (I wondered why Dad always missed this part). Presents are all around.
This year's tree is decorated to honor the Ukrainian people.
Kelly Mortell (Fortville, Indiana, United States)
Christmas Foliage
Digital
https://www.instagram.com/kelmortellart
Poinsettias and evergreens bring a quiet beauty to a Christmas Eve.
Michael Yip (Tiburon, California, United States)
Christmas Center Village
Adobe Fresco
https://www.instagram.com/supermichelangelopaint
The holidays are a time to gather people—especially friends and families—together. This art piece I painted is meant to represent how public spaces, such as shopping malls, are turned into winter wonderlands. During times when my quiet neighborhood is not enough to get into the joy, I seek out public celebrations to avoid feeling alone on the inside. The design of this fictional mall is meant to represent my creative outlook on life and hope for happiness in it.
Mary Tong (San Francisco, California, United States)
Tennis Ball Ornaments
Felt, paper, and old tennis balls
Beginning in 2004, I began recycling my old used tennis balls and make them into Christmas ornaments for friends and family. Each year, I make 55 ornaments of the same design with varying color combinations. These are from the last five years.
Rhiannon Nicole Rudick (Eureka, California, United States)
Hunting Traditions
Ink wash
https://www.instagram.com/rhiannonnicole81
In my family, Autumn is harvest season. We have traditions of picking apples from our apple trees, going camping in the forest, hiking in the mountains, and hunting game like bear and deer. We honor the natural world and all it provides, feeding us in the fall and then storing it for the long winter ahead.
Audric Goo (San Francisco, California, United States)
The Snowball Express...All Aboard!!!
Acrylic on canvas
A wintry gateway to wonder.
Anabella Schofield (San Carlos, California, United States)
A Very Ladybug Christmas
Digital
https://www.instagram.com/anabellaandsofia
This is the star of the children's books my sister and I illustrated, Ladybug's Garden and Ladybug's Christmas. In this illustration, Ladybug is on her way to experience the joy of Christmas in her garden home!
Katie Carone (Escalon, California, United States)
Let There Be Snow
Paper and gouache
https://www.instagram.com/katie_carone
I used to always pick out a Christmas tree with my dad every year, and sometimes still do. After we find one, we grab a hot chocolate and cookies before heading home. At night—after the tree is up in the house—my mom and I grab boxes of ornaments to decorate it together while my dad and brother hang lights around the house. They all make the holidays feel so special, even in a warm California winter.
Ava Kennedy (San Francisco, California, United States)
Building Joy
Metal clips and zip ties
https://www.instagram.com/hulahoneyava
My favorite Christmas gifts were toys I could build. Being able to build something fun and unexpected, those toys were gifts of creativity and joy. I hope to convey that feeling in my sculpture.
Rhiannon Nicole Rudick (Eureka, California, United States)
Hunting Traditions
Mixed media
https://www.instagram.com/rhiannonnicole81
In my family, Autumn is harvest season. We have traditions of picking apples from our apple trees, going camping in the forest, hiking in the mountains, and hunting game like bear and deer. We honor the natural world and all it provides, feeding us in the fall and then storing it for the long winter ahead.
Pragati Sharma (Sunnyvale, California, United States)
Jatayu - the mystical bird
Mixed media on canvas
https://www.facebook.com/Pragati.Sharma.Artist
https://www.instagram.com/pragati_sharma_artist
Diwali is the most important festival of India. It is the celebration of good over evil in the story of Ramayan. My painting Jatayu depicts one of the events from this story. The demon king Ravan abducts Sita and flies away in his private jet (Pushpak Vimana). The king of vultures, Jatayu—the mystical bird—notices this and tries to fight with Ravan. I have captured this critical incident in warm and cool colors—a bright trail following Sita and darkness left behind.
Cristina Cargasacchi-Jasper (Starnberg, Germany)
Passaggio tra la Giungla
Mixed media
https://www.instagram.com/cricargasacchi
https://www.cristinacargasacchi.com
Inspired by The Jungle Book's elephant parade, the Three Kings are traveling to their destination, while the traditional Italian Befana is flying through the jungle and around the world searching for little Jesus, carrying presents to all the children in the world. Animals too!
Julia Vann (Martinez, California, United States)
Spirit Animals
Posca marker on canvas
https://www.instagram.com/julia_the_creative
Danny Ray Henderson (San Angelo, Texas, United States)
Abstract Christmas Tree
Pen, markers, Apple Pencil, and Apple photo art palette
https://majordanny.myportfolio.com
I love drawing Christmas trees in different artistic styles using multiple mediums.
Anne Elizabeth Zogby ()
Paper Snowflakes
Paper and digital
One of my family's treasured traditions is making paper snowflakes at Christmastime. I hand-cut these snowflakes and then imported them to create this digital artwork celebrating the beauty of nature and the magic of the holidays.
Pragati Sharma (Sunnyvale, California, United States)
Valmiki
Mixed media on canvas
https://www.facebook.com/Pragati.Sharma.Artist
https://www.instagram.com/pragati_sharma_artist
Diwali is the most important festival of India. It is the celebration of good over evil in the story of Ramayan. My painting shows the author of this text, Valmiki, meditating when he noticed a crane couple in love. Soon, one of the cranes is killed by a hunter's arrow. The other crane dies in agony. This disturbs Valmiki and a curse comes out of his mouth. This curse forms the basis of the rhythm of Ramayan.
Dylan Gibson (San Rafael, California, United States)
Solstice Flora
Digital animation
My animation portrays four important plants to many European pagan winter solstice traditions: evergreen trees, fly agaric mushroom, ivy, and holly. Evergreen trees are seen as symbols of life and balance, fly agaric was historically used in spiritual ceremony, ivy represents binding and protection, and holly represents the Holly King (a winter god whose power peaks at the solstice). As someone who celebrates solstices and equinoxes in the modern day, I find it important to represent them.
Clark A. DiLorenzo (Marietta, Georgia, United States)
Find Joy In All The Little Things This Holiday Season
Pen
https://www.instagram.com/clarkd.art
Kai Webb (Columbus, Ohio, United States)
Finger of the Witch
Digital
https://artwebbsite.weebly.com
Multimedia artist Kai Webb creates with the intent of exploring and communicating
elusive and abstract feelings.
Being of Black and Indigenous descent, they also explore subjects such as ancestry and spirituality in their paintings and comics.
They hope their works help incite meaningful interpersonal conversations, and thus meaningful action.
Stefan Russell Sanford (Chino Valley, Arizona, United States)
A Silent Night in the Jungle
Pen, markers, colored pencils, oil paint, and acrylic paint
https://www.stefanrsanford.com
A Silent Night in the Jungle represents Three Kings Day. The endangered Indian Elephant, which is increasingly under stress from various threats and factors, is born in the jungle.
Pragati Sharma (Sunnyvale, California, United States)
Sita - the daughter of Earth
Mixed media on canvas
https://www.facebook.com/Pragati.Sharma.Artist
https://www.instagram.com/pragati_sharma_artist
Diwali is the most important festival of India. It is the celebration of good over evil in the story of Ramayan. After a happy ending to the story, Sita wishes to return to Earth from where she had emerged. She prays, "Oh Mother Earth! If I am pure, embrace me into your arms." I have used a combination of green, blue, and orange to represent the elements of Earth that come together to accept Sita who was pure as gold.
Alison Chenoweth Revel (San Francisco, California, United States)
Foggy Boxes on the Hillsides
Watercolor and ink on paper
Most people think of the holidays and think of snow, but being from San Francisco, I think of fog creeping in.
Mary Tong (San Francisco, California, United States)
The Tigonlily
Felt, paper, and old tennis balls
Beginning in 2004, I began recycling my old used tennis balls and make them into Christmas ornaments for friends and family. Each year, I make 55 ornaments of the same design with varying color combinations. These are from the last five years.
Kai Webb (Columbus, Ohio, United States)
Living the Dream 1
Acrylic
https://artwebbsite.weebly.com
Multimedia artist Kai Webb creates with the intent of exploring and communicating
elusive and abstract feelings.
Being of Black and Indigenous descent, they also explore subjects such as ancestry and spirituality in their paintings and comics.
They hope their works help incite meaningful interpersonal conversations, and thus meaningful action.
Tiernan Renee McClanahan (Louisville, Kentucky, United States)
Owenton, Kentucky
Ink on paper
https://www.instagram.com/travelingtiernan
For my family, the holidays were about spending time in nature with the ones we loved. In Kentucky, Louisville is the big, hip, and cool city. Every year around the holidays, we took time and escaped the fast-paced city life to explore our grandparents' home in Owenton, Kentucky. No internet or cell service—just hikes, swimming in the creek, good homestyle fried food, and maybe a trusty beagle by our side. This piece represents the peace, but also the deep, detailed beauty that nature provides.
Pragati Sharma (Sunnyvale, California, United States)
Buddha
Mixed media on canvas
https://www.facebook.com/Pragati.Sharma.Artist
https://www.instagram.com/pragati_sharma_artist
Buddha is synonymous with spiritual calmness. In this composition, I show Buddha becoming one with nature. The aura of his being is serene yet so powerful that the elements of nature are dancing around him. All beings happily coexist—such is the world I dream of.
Elora Lam Cuenco (San Francisco, California, United States)
Rainforest Fir
Digital illustration
Rainforest Fir takes inspiration from the abundant varieties of foliage one can find in the jungle and the classic Christmas tree, combining the two and arranging them into a vibrant jungle Christmas tree. Pines and evergreens are the conventional choice for these famous trees, but thanks to the various sizes and colors of the leaves and flowers that grow in the jungle, this tree doesn't need the help of additional ornaments and tinsel—its beauty stands on its own!
Mary Tong (San Francisco, California, United States)
Esperanza Snail (aka: E.S.Cargot)
Felt, paper, and old tennis balls
Beginning in 2004, I began recycling my old used tennis balls and make them into Christmas ornaments for friends and family. Each year, I make 55 ornaments of the same design with varying color combinations. These are from the last five years.
Kerry Patten (Vancouver, Canada)
Pinecones and Pebbles!
Watercolor, pen, and acrylic on paper
https://www.instagram.com/zedbearanim
Growing up in a big city, we didn't have too much access to Nature, so we made the best of what we had! Throughout the year, my dad and I would collect pine cones from the local parks and pebbles from the beach. Then at Christmastime we would make our own decorations—painting the pines cones was so much fun, and painting the pebbles too. I painted a picture of this rather than recreating the actual decorations.
Mary H. Feenan (Woodland Park, New Jersey, United States)
Christmas Cards Through the Years
Graphite and colored pencil
Nana (95 years old) has drawn a Christmas card each December for more than 15 years. To celebrate this annual tradition, we created wrapping paper that is a collage of her drawings. Nana’s cards bring joy to all who receive them at Christmastime. She is the very essence of the Christmas spirit.
Chloe Lejnieks (San Francisco, California, United States)
PEACE
Acrylic on canvas
https://www.instagram.com/cocoapaints
My expressionistic painting PEACE is about peace and joy for all, which is what the holidays are all about. In my family, we celebrate many different traditions, but always peace on this colorful Earth.
Maya Antoinette Colbert (Oakland, California, United States)
Mistletoe: Peace, Love, and Berries
Glass beads, wood, acrylic paint, tacky glue, and beeswax
Mistletoe was valued by ancient people around the world for its medicinal properties and used to treat a variety of ailments including high blood pressure and infertility.
Perhaps these uses led the ancient Romans to associate the plant with peace and love and hang it above their doorways for household protection.
It's easy to see how this may have led to the current practice of hanging the plant at Christmas time in the hopes of sharing a kiss with someone you admire.