VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Museum of Art welcomed children of all ages Sunday at the 2011 Happy Holidays at the Museum open house, courtesy of the Museum’s board of trustees, staff and a committee of friends, co-chaired by Jackie Farrell and Connie Webb.
As a steady stream of visitors was greeted at the door by some of Santa’s helpers, indications were that the number attending would come close to last year’s which drew 1,680 people.
Highlighted throughout the day were performances by local children, which this year included students from the Lozada School of Music, Charter High School Visual and Performing Arts Program, Osceola Magnet School, Beachside Elementary School and the Riverside Star Troop.
“They’re adorable, absolutely adorable,” said Farrell, watching poised Lozada School piano students, ranging in age from 4 to 8, perform outside the Holmes Great Hall.
Informing that he has been playing piano for four years, 9-year-old Cameron Heran said his favorite piece is Gone with the Wind, which he can perform on both piano and organ. His 7-year-old friend Louis DeSchouwer said he likes playing music from Star Wars.
Excited squeals of “Santa, Santa!” ensued as Santa Claus, briefly popped his head into the Art Studios where children were creating Christmas cards for family and friends.
“It’s a card for Santa,” said 5-year-old Noah Hernandez, who wasn’t taking any chances. “It’s just a letter to remind him to come to my house.”
Louie Sanchez creates delightful little reindeer candy canes every year, complete with pipe-cleaner antlers, google eyes and felt noses, and his equally delightful granddaughter, Ellie Moon Graham was only too happy to help in their distribution.
Jan Lauffer displayed a grandmother’s love, holding a first place spot for 1-year-old Ben Malik and 7-year-old Addy Malik from the time doors opened at 1 p.m. until Santa’s arrival at 2 p.m.
“It’s what we grandmas do,” explained Lauffer with a smile.
In addition to her other duties, Farrell dresses up each year as the candy-cane lady, doling out sweet treats after visits to Santa.
“I’ve watched them get older and older,” said Farrell, jiggling sleigh bells to draw attention so parents could get that all important shot. “They bring cards and wish lists, and they can’t believe his beard is real. I love this; I wouldn’t give this job up for the world.”
Homemade cookies were another big hit as visitors took a respite from all the various activities.
“I’m up to my elbows in cookies,” said Maya Peterson, one of many volunteers continually replenishing the colorfully decorated cookies. “I made one batch; my burnt offering.”
All told, 246 dozen cookies were lovingly made by volunteers, washed down by lemonade donated by Publix.
As she watched everyone enjoying themselves, Shanti Sanchez, the Museum’s school and youth programs manager, stated, “I love the intergenerational perspective of this event; watching the kids, parents and grandparents all together.”
