OJAC Christmas activities in full swing

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Christmas season is in full swing at the Old Jail Art Center, and special activities for December include the free holiday marionette shows that were offered earlier this week, as well as an upcoming family festival on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Last weekend, the OJAC staff hosted free gift wrapping stations for local shoppers during the Chamber of Commerce’s downtown Christmas activities.

Family Festival

“Buon Natale!” will highlight Christmas celebrations in Italy on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The event, set at the usual time of 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., is the last of several special family festivals held during 2019 and every year.

“Bring the whole family and celebrate the holiday season with the OJAC,” said education director Erin Whitmore. “Enjoy cultural crafts, games, food, and music inspired by Christmas celebrations in Italy.”

The festival is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome.

Puppet Shows

Charlie Rose and Dan Peeler, master puppeteers from Peeler-Rose Productions, presented their annual holiday marionette shows at the Old Jail Art Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 3-4. 

This is the 34th year that the OJAC has hosted the puppet shows and has invited everyone, no matter their age, to come to the museum and enjoy the free performances.

“Beloved artists Dan Peeler and Charlie Rose present a lovely repertoire of puppet performances to Christmas classics,” said Whitmore. 

School children from Nancy Smith Elementary School and from the Moran Independent School District were among the audience members, along with local preschool classes.