O' Christmas Art, O' Christmas Art...

YGL Gallery invites you to deck the walls with holiday cheer!

Dec 20, 2024

Welcome to the YGL Gallery where you’ll find a curation of artworks, articles, and items that orbit around a common theme. Allow me to hang your coat while you waltz through the rooms below. Please enjoy the show and visit again soon!

O' Christmas Art, O' Christmas Art...

We’re serving up eggnog with freshly grated nutmeg in the YGL Gallery today. The stringed lights are twinkling down the halls and a jazz quartet has volunteered to play for the event. Take your time strolling through the rooms—let them whisk you away to a holiday past—and enjoy the magic this season has to share. ✨

*This article is full of photos, you’ll likely need to hit “view entire message” if you’re reading through your email. As always: the gallery exit is located at the end of the hall through the gift shop. Enjoy!

Entering the Main Gallery

Left: Wild Thing Christmas Tree by **Maurice Sendak** (1976) - Ink on paper. Middle: The Dove of Peace by **Pablo Picasso** (1945) - Ink of paper. Right: **Nat King Cole** singing Christmas carols with Natalie (1960) - Photograph.

Bigger Christmas Trees by **David Hockey** (2023) - One hundred metre-high christmas lights at the Apple UK Headquarters.

Left: Sweater from Target by **Emily Doliner** (2023) - Digital illustartion. Right: Joyful Winter Frolic by Pompus Vintage - Oil on canvas.

Left: **Lucille Ball** in ‘I Love Lucy’ (1956). Right: A Romantic Vision of Skiing by **Wei Huan** (2023) - Digital collage.

Christmas Eve in New York by **Guy Carleton Wiggins** (1950) - Oil on canvas.

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle

The Polar Express by **Chris Van Allsburg** (1985) - Illustration.

Left: Christmas Tree With Birds by **Andy Warhol** (1957) - Ink, dye, and tempera on paper. Right: Please Pause Here by **Haddon Sundblom** for Coca-Cola (1963) - Oil on canvas.

Left: The annual '**Nikolaus Run**' in East Germany (2015) - Photograph by Getty Images. Right: **Harold Lloyd** with his epic Christmas Tree (1968).

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”
- Miracle on 34th Street

Left: Mychtar and his Snowdog by **Deb West** (2004) - Photograph. Right: Man Tangled Up in Christmas Decorations by **Al Brule** (1953) - Oil on canvas.

Left: Berkshire Nightscape by **Scott Kahn** (2005) - Oil on linen. Right: Snoopy and Woodstock by **Charles M. Schulz** - Digital illustration.

Big Snowball by **Rei Kurahashi** (2020) - Digital illustration.

Left: **Sofia Vassilieva** in ‘Eloise at Christmastime’ (2003). Right: Christmas Wreath by **Andy Warhol** (1957) - Ink and watercolour on paper.

“Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.”
– It’s a Wonderful Life

Holiday End by **John Hrehov** (2022) - Oil on canvas.

Left: Christmas Card by **Nicolas Party** (2011) - Watercolour and gouache on paper. Right: Holiday campaign for **Jacquemus** (2023) - Photograph.

The New Yorker cover art by **Ana Juan** (2016), **Beatrice Szanton** (1960), and **Carter Goodrich** (2011).

Winter Magic by **Per Breiehagen** (2011) - Photograph.

A Look in the Display Case

A Christmas Carol (1843) - A first edition print of the classic story by Charles Dickens.
Snowflakes Under the Microscope (2009) - Beautiful photographs by Kenneth Libbrecht.
Vintage Nutcracker (1970) - German hand-painted wood.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - Original production animation drawing by Chuck Jones. Pencil on paper.
The Snow Globe (1941) - Appearing in Citizen Kane and crafted in Austria by Erwin Perzy’s legacy company.

Artist in Residence: Norman Rockwell

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas by **Norman Rockwell** (1967) - Oil on canvas.

Norman Rockwell was born in New York City on February 3, 1894 and started painting Christmas cards soon thereafter. When I closed my eyes and envisioned who I might select for my ‘Holiday Artist in Residence’—visions of Rockwell sugarplums danced in my head. This classic American artist had a brilliant career producing more than 4,000 original works over the span of his lifetime. I’m sure you recognize his charming signature style

He illustrated several well-known books including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He also painted several famous portraits and produced works for companies like Hallmark, The Saturday Evening Post, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Left: Little Girl Looking Downstairs at Christmas Party (1964). Middle: Boy With Head in Wreath (1957). Right: Grandpa and Me Skating (1948).

“The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.” - Norman Rockwell

His works are playful, realistic, and sentimental snapshots of American life. He was a true storyteller—with genuine optimism. Some say he was more of a commercial illustrator and not a serious artist. But others think he was the most prolific artist of his time. Vladimir Nobokov went as far as to say “Dalí is really Norman Rockwell’s twin brother kidnapped by gypsies during childhood.” A hilarious and wonderful compliment to them both.

The Norman Rockwell Museum houses 998 original painting and drawings. If you ever find yourself in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, be sure to visit!

Left: Santa’s Surprise (1949). Right: Newsstand in the Snow (1941).

From the Gallery Archives

Jim Carrey was given torture training by the CIA to suit up for his role as The Grinch.
Everything you’ve ever wondered about the house from Home Alone.
Although mistletoe is a poisonous parasitic plant, it’s also considered an aphrodisiac.
Santa has his own postal code in Canada—and kids can send their lists to the North Pole sans stamps.
A few great christmas moments in film:

Rent (2005), Jumanji (1995), and Harry Potter (2001).

Little Women (2019) and Jingle all the Way (1996).

“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, but who’s around it.”
- Charlie Brown

Love Actually (2003) and The Holdovers (2023).

Exit Through the Gift Shop

A few last minute items for the holly and the jolly!

The perfect Christmas morning set.
Silicone alphabet butter molds.
Brass leaf and glass beaded mistletoe.
Miniature ceramic nativity figurines.
Christmas spiral dinner candles.
My favourite ribbon.
Plaid flannel sheet set.
Linen hanging advent calendar.
And these vintage doll house ornaments.

Thank you so much for visiting.

It’s a pleasure to put these galleries together for you and I always appreciate your feedback. What’s your favourite holiday movie and/or tradition? Let me know in the comment section below and if you enjoyed this exhibit, please consider sharing with someone who will find it meaningful.

Ciao ciao,