“Festival of Wreaths” at library open to organizations, artists

“Festival of Wreaths” at Madison Public Library will show the imagination of non-profit organizations and artists.

Entry deadline for Festival of Wreaths is Nov. 30.

“Festival of Wreaths will celebrate the holiday spirit and showcase artists and community organizations in and around Madison,” Stephenie Walker said. Walker is president of Friends of the Madison Library, the festival’s sponsor.

Participants will create artificial wreaths. Designs by non-profit organizations will symbolize their work or audience. Artists will decorate for a favorite book or author.

The ‘Friends’ wanted “to deck the library halls” in Madison, similar to the Christmas tree collection at the main library. “We don’t have the space. The wreath idea better accommodates our size,” Walker said.

No live greenery or perishable material can be used. “We have books to keep safe and dry and don’t want to encourage pests inside the building,” Walker said. In addition, the wreaths will be displayed for more than one month.

“We’ve had several local artists ask for applications, and we’re sending out invitations to area non-profits to participate,” Walker said. “Since this is our first year hosting the Festival of Wreaths, we’ll need help spreading the word.”

The festival will give high exposure to participants. “The Madison library is the busiest in the system. Many non-profit groups have little to no budget for publicity. This is a festive, inexpensive way to raise awareness of community organizations and their work,” Walker said.

Walker suggested a Dr. Seuss wreath with “lots of bright colors, glitter ornaments and wacky shapes.” A wreath can depict a book series, like “Game of Thrones,” Harry Potter or “The Hunger Games.” “Author-themed wreaths would be fun, too. A Stephen King Christmas, anyone?”

Entry deadline is Nov. 30. The library will display wreaths from Dec. 3 through Jan. 7, 2013.

The library will host a Festival of Wreaths workshop on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. It’s free and reservations aren’t required.

Applications and guidelines are available at the library or by visiting hmcpl.org/madison or Facebook/MadisonFriendsOfTheLibrary.

For more information, call 256-426-8300 or send email to madisonfriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com.