Two holiday exhibits featured at T.B. Scott Library

The T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill will feature two holiday exhibits as part of their Beyond Books Community ArtShare program in November and December.
The first exhibit, titled “A Sleigh of Santas” includes a group of Santas, called a “sleigh.” Joan Pregler, a life-long resident of Langlade County, will share her collection of Santas which started 55 years ago when her sister-in-law gave her a Santa as a Christmas gift. That was the beginning of Pregler’s love for everything related to Santa, and she typically buys one or two new Santas each year. At one point she had more than 210 statues, although she has trimmed her collection a bit since then. Her collection also includes Santa prints, pictures, and ornaments from around the world with Santas dressed in unique attire that represents that country. Her favorite Santa is a light up lantern in Santa’s hand and his head turns, a gift she received from her mother-in-law many years ago.
The second exhibit, “Wild for Christmas Cards,” will feature the original artwork of Ann Ruder, who began creating original sketches and paintings of wildlife for Christmas cards 20 years ago. Ruder continued her passion by creating a different wildlife creation every year, and friends have commented that they “saved every card over the years as a collection.”
In high school, Ruder received scholarship awards for her art work and a First Place in Wisconsin for her Hallmark Art Talent Contest entry. She studied art at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She has received “Best in Shows” and Golden Pallet Knife awards for her artistic ability and has sold many of her pieces over the years.
Ruder is an Art Director at an area printing firm and has also received awards for her graphic art work in that capacity. She also continues to enjoy sketching, painting, pen and ink, and working with watercolors, oils, acrylics, and pastels.
Both exhibits will be located on the second floor in the historic Carnegie Wing in the library beginning Nov. 4 and will continue through the month of December.