“A Christmas Carol” – by ACT, A Contemporary Theatre 2007

“A Royal Nut” – by Janet Gryczan 2007

“A World of Learners” – by Beacon Hill Elementary 2007

“A World of Learners was created to show Beacon Hills’ diverse community of learners. The school is becoming international in 2008 so this nutcracker shows their excitement about the change. They decided on painting the earth with lots of different cultural elements to represent the students that will be added to their already diverse community. The artist of the nutcrackers you see before you is a fifth grade class full of children. The kids loved showcasing their artistic abilities and were ecstatic to decorate this nutcracker.

“All Wrapped Up” – by Carol Milne & Jasmine Isaacson 2007

“All Wrapped Up” was inspired by the nutcracker “Gifted.” Carol decided to make another nutcracker with wrapping paper. But this time, the big red bow is on the front of the nutcracker’s hat! Carol is a mixed media sculptor. She works primarily with cast glass, but can’t pass up the opportunity to participate in fiberglass public art exhibitions.

“Animal Cracker” – by Annie Delucchi & Troy Thrall, Inn at the Market 2007

“Animal Cracker” was inspired by a play on the word cracker. The figure reminded Annie of a ringmaster and she and Troy have always loved animal crackers. Putting together the ringmaster design with animal crackers on the base, Annie and Troy created this tribute to their favorite childhood cookies. He is brightly colored and ready to tame lions! Although they are not professional artists, Annie and Troy created a “Snow Cracker” for the Nutcracker March last year as well.

"Aquanut" – by Kateryna Sitner 2006

“Baby You’re a Rich Nutcracker” – by Mike Courtemanche & Acacia Goodwin 2007

“Birney II” – by Paul Ishii 2006

For this Nutcracker the artist will be using a traditional design with acrylic paints and other mixed materials to set off the Nutcracker.

“Birney III” – by Paul Ishii 2007

“Birney III” is the third and last of the Birney nutcracker collection by Paul Ishii. The artist used a traditional design with acrylic paints and other mixed materials to set off the nutcracker. Paul Ishii is the general manager of the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle and has created nutcrackers for Northwest Center for the last three years.

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” – by Darci Dille, 5th Ave. Theatre 2007

“Cap’n Nutcracker” – by Quincy Quigg 2007

Quincy created “Cap’n Nutcracker” because he likes the ocean, sailing and pirate folklore. With the success of many pirate movies, he thought it would be a perfect opportunity to contribute his version to the art community. Please keep in mind that this pirate is not out to do harm, he has spent too many years out at sea. He is old, salty, and just looking for a nice piece of dry land to rest his bones. Quincy Quigg has participated in many community art projects, including Ponies on Parade, all three years of the Nutcracker March and the Gilda Radner Red Door Cancer Benefit Project.

“Changes Make Real Change” – by Yvette Simone 2007

“Changes Make Real Change” was inspired by how much the donations that United Way receives help so many in our area. Yvette personally received a grant from United Way so she knows how much they do to make a real difference in lives throughout King County. Yvette used change, varnish and glue to craft her nutcracker. She has been involved in many different community art projects and was honored at the White House for her work in 2004.

"Children of the Market" – artist unknown

“China Cracker” – by Petronella Fursman 2007

“China Cracker” was inspired by Petronella’s childhood. She grew up in England and often enjoyed afternoon tea. Petronella was fascinated with the elaborate designs that decorated people’s beautiful china tea sets. This nutcracker is modeled after the most famous delicate pattern found on tea sets, the blue and white “Willow Pattern.” Petronella says there was no problem, great or small, that could not be settled over a nice cup of tea! Petronella has also created pigs for Pike Place Market, a buck for PACE in Bellevue and a violin for the Rainier Symphony.

“Code Cracker” – by Kelsey Ferguson 2007

“Code Cracker” owes its creation to the vibrant shopping life in downtown Seattle. This six-foot tall candy cane striped barcode nutcracker serves as Kelsey’s whimsical interpretation of the little lines and numbers we see on purchases we make. She created this design by taping off each line and then filling it with enamel paint. Although this is the first community art project that Kelsey has participated in, she says it has been a very fun experience and would love to continue with it.

“Critter Cracker” – by Richard Ramsby & Michael Darling 2007

“Critter Cracker” was created by Richard and Michael to inspire conversation of our marine environment. The Pacific Northwest is rich in marine life, providing a home to orca whales, jellyfish, sea anemones and otters, just to name a few. This nutcracker educates, inspires and amazes! Richard and Michael are employees of the Seattle Aquarium and Richard helped create a nutcracker for Northwest Center last year as well.

“Dialogue” – by Alan Altman and Beth-Anne Lye 2006

Dialogues…are we breaking apart or coming together when we have internal discord? How the process of our inner conversations goes: weighing our choices, debating alternative paths of actions and finally making decisions help us toward becoming one harmonious whole person. The Nutcracker’s head is split and the split sealed with mirrored walls as both parts of our inner conversation really mirror each other and couldn’t exist without each other. The two halves start at the head with complementary but very different deigns and slowly merge into a harmonious one by the time they reach the feet. The Nutcracker will be painted using multiple layers of glaze, paint, decoupage and collage. The base will be faux finished in a camouflage design to represent our protective cloaking of internal discord. The sound component consists of periodically repeating inner conversation starting in discord and coming to harmonious decisions with self, recorded by the artist on a custom-built digital recorder/playback device built into the Nutcracker.

“Game Knight” – by Yvette Simone 2007

“Game Knight” is a tribute to a fun-filled family game night. Yvette was also inspired by a piece of art she saw in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. in 2004 of a marlin fish decorated entirely with game pieces. She constructed her own version by using thousands of pieces from popular games to create this multi-colored and very intricate nutcracker. Yvette has been recognized for her work nationally and internationally and has been honored at the White House for her art.

“Gifted” – by Jasmine Isaacson & Carol Milne 2007

“Gifted” was created to look like a present. With a big red bow on top, Carol and Jasmine have definitely succeeded. Wouldn’t you love to be gifted with a present this big? Carol and Jasmine used collaged wrapping paper and epoxy to craft this nutcracker. Carol and Jasmine have also participated in Ponies on Parade, Pigs on Parade and a Licton Springs Park Playground art project.

“Gingerbread King” – by Paul Illian & Eden Hopkins 2007

“Gingerbread King” is a work of art created for a holiday theme request by Nordstrom. The artists, Paul Illian and Eden Hopkins, used various paints and colored crafting clay to hand shape each candy piece on the nutcracker. The detail is impeccable! Paul left his job six years ago to pursue his love of art. Now he spends his time painting, drawing and creating things of beauty. Eden Hopkins is the marketing communications director at the Museum of Flight and was delighted to lend his talents to help raise money for Northwest Center.

“Gingerbread Nutcracker (Ginger)” – by Jeannie Yovetich Burham 2007

“Gingerbread Nutcracker (Ginger)” is a tribute to one of Jeannie’s favorite past-times: baking and decorating gingerbread cookies. One of her favorite bedtime stories was about the gingerbread man who ran away and she wanted to bring him to life! Jeannie used paint, glitter, faux gems, ribbon, paper and varnish to create this nutcracker. Jeannie created a pig for the Pike Place Market in 2007 and has been involved in countless other community art projects, including three years of participation in the Stanwood Camano Art Banner Project.

“Glowing, Glittering Nutcracker” – by Thaddeus Jurczynski 2007

“Glowing, Glittering Nutcracker” was inspired by Thaddeus’s creation for the recent Pigs on Parade event. He cut a hatch underneath the pig and inserted a shoplight, then drilled out over 20 representations of local marine life. For his nutcracker, Thaddeus drilled holes along the contour lines so it would glow from the inside. Then he painted the outside with bright, glittery colors. Thaddeus Jurczynski is a sculptor living in Port Townsend, Washington. He creates art and presents science and art workshops. He has participated in numerous community art projects aside from the Nutcracker March, including Pigs on Parade.

“Grant Woods’ American Gothic – Man” – by L. Kelly Lyles 2007

“Grant Wood’s American Gothic – Man” is half of the famous painting depicting typical American rural life. American Gothic is one of the most reproduced and parodied images of all time. Painted in 1930, the image depicts a farmer and his daughter (though often mistaken as his wife) posing in front of a gothic style house in Iowa. L. Kelly Lyles, creator of this nutcracker, specializes in realism and portraits. In addition to creating this nutcracker, Kelly also drives an art car named “Leopard Bernstein”, a Subaru wagon painted as a roaring snow leopard, complete with ears, tail and many hundreds of felines.

“Grant Wood’s American Gothic – Woman” – by L. Kelly Lyles 2007

“Grant Wood’s American Gothic – Woman” is half of the famous painting depicting typical American rural life. American Gothic is one of the most reproduced and parodied images of all time. Painted in 1930, the image depicts a farmer and his daughter (though often mistaken as his wife) posing in front of a gothic style house in Iowa. L. Kelly Lyles, creator of this nutcracker, specializes in realism and portraits. In addition to creating this nutcracker, Kelly also drives an art car named “Leopard Bernstein,” a Subaru wagon painted as a roaring snow leopard, complete with ears, tail and many hundreds of felines.

“Gumdropper” – by John Robert Powers 2007

“Gustav” – by Mariah Ruggles 2007

“Gustav” is homage to Gustav Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Art Nouveau movement. His major works include paintings, murals, sketches and other art objects, many of which are on display in the Vienna Secession gallery. Mariah created a realistic portrait of the artist, using Klimt-style imagery with graceful figures and metallic paints. Mariah Ruggles has been involved in other community art projects as well. She has created pigs for the Pike Place Market and a buck for Bucks for PACE, benefiting the Performing Arts Center Eastside in Bellevue.

“Holidays in the Art Studio” – by Yvette Simone 2007

“Holidays in the Art Studio” was created as if in Jackson Pollock’s studio while he was alive. It is highly textured with splattered paint covering the entire nutcracker. Pollock is most well known for his drip and splash style paintings which emerged in 1947. Instead of using the traditional easel, he affixed his canvas to the floor or the wall and poured and dripped his paint from a can. Instead of using brushes, he manipulated it with sticks, trowels or knives. Yvette Simone is a world-class Pacific Northwest artist who was honored by the White House in 2004 for her art. She has shown her work nationally and internationally in galleries and museums around the world. She maintains a child-like quality in use of content, color and composition while creating primarily narrative pieces of art work.

“Holidays - Multicultural” – by L. Kelly Lyles 2007

“Holidays - Multicultural” was inspired by Kelly’s many diverse experiences. She has lived and painted all over the world and has experienced the holidays with different cultures. Kelly honors the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, African, Scandinavian and Hmong celebrations of the Winter Solstice with representations and symbols from Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Santa Lucia, Winter Solstice and Hmong New Year. L. Kelly Lyles, creator of this nutcracker, specializes in realism and portraits. Kelly’s car, home and paintings have been featured in magazine articles, books, film and television shows nationally and around the world.

“Holly Golightly” – by Faye Lomax 2007

“Holly Golightly” is an artistic representation of Audrey Hepburn’s famous character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Faye’s depiction of Holly is extremely true to the movie script; she has even painted Holly’s cat at her feet! Faye Lomax is a sculptor and has created pigs for the Pike Place Market and serves as the art director-designer of Boeing’s magazine Aero.

“Ilya” – by Inna Peck 2007

“Ilya” was created using oil-based paint. Inna tried to reference the past in a new way, and has succeeded with a beautiful blend of floral elements and modern patterns. She is attracted to folk and pop art, so this nutcracker is an attempt to see them live together. The colorful nutcracker represents folk and pop art well, with its combination of boldness and intricate design. Before participating in the Nutcracker March this year, Inna had only done private commissions.

“It Takes a Village” – 2006

“It Takes a Village” is based on the old African saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In modern day society that “village” consists of a community of people. Those communities may look very different from one another but each person in them adds a vital piece to the building of who that child will someday become.

“Jester's Jester” – Yvette Simone 2006

The "Jester" makes an attempt (a jester) to secretly decorate the palace and is found out when the Christmas lights go on revealing his entanglement of decorative ornaments he was trying so carefully to hide. This Nutcracker is a playful, fictional piece. It is created in acrylic and resin and is meant to simply be enjoyed!

“Joy to the Market” – by Horton, Lantz & Low 2007

“Joy to the Market” is a tribute to the Pike Place Market in all its glory. A group from Horton, Lantz & Low, or HL2 as they are known in the marketing, branding and advertising world, created this tribute to holiday time at the Pike Place Market.

“King of Communities of Unity” – by Sarah Ingersoll 2007

“King of Communities of Unity” was inspired by a community of diverse people helping one another in efforts of goodness; all united in a strong, but peaceful way. A variety of processes were used to construct this nutcracker, including sculpting, layering and painting. Besides participating in the Nutcracker March, Sarah has also created structures for the east side and worked on mural projects for the City Hall of Bellevue and Bellevue Business Association.

“King of Firecracker” – Linda Horsley 2006

He is ready to Take Off and Light the Seattle Skyline in brilliant colors! With his rocket conehead and fire lines, he appears in action at all times, as a King should. Painted in enamel paints with metal attachments he can endure the elements and the public touch as large painted hands at the base appear to be helping him take off.

“King of Hearts” – by Sarah Kruse and Leslie Thyagarajan 2007

“King of Hearts” is a fun nutcracker inspired by popular themes and icons. Sarah and Leslie used oils, acrylics, gem stones, glitter, stickers, and even a map of the world to create this nutcracker. Leslie has also been involved in creating Pigs on Parade, Ponies on Parade, and has done numerous nutcrackers for the Nutcracker March for the last three years.

“Maharaja Nutcracker” – 2006

Representative of a time and space of wild splendor to promote human art and thought. During this time they recorded, created and encouraged life in all its full glory and the aftermath. They recorded everything else except the songs and the sounds (perhaps this was passed on from generation to generation, filtered down with time and tide.) This nutcracker will remind us the glory of what our ancestors were capable of and how they celebrated life and times.

“Mutt Tracker” – by Leith Zeutenhorst 2007

“Mutt Tracker” was created to show a fun story with a happy ending. Leith used acrylic paint and a real leash, combined with a puppy and a great idea to please children. Besides this very playful nutcracker, Leith also helped complete a school mural last year.

“Native Fern” – by Carol Skvorak 2007

“Native Fern” was created using automotive primer, acrylics and a UV protected overcoat. Inspired by Western Washington’s native ferns, Carol used the sword fern as a stencil to sponge on designs. This Victorian sponge technique has been used since the 1800’s and can be found throughout entire conservatories. Along with participating in the Nutcracker March for all three years, Carol has also been involved in Ponies on Parade and Pigs on Parade in 2001 and 2007.

“Nutcracker Ocean” – by Molly Smith 2006

This design was inspired by the ocean in a tropical climate. The beautiful blue water with various hues is the perfect backdrop for all of the colorful aquatic life.

Quincy Quigg: “Nature Keeper” – 2006

This nutcracker piece is a tribute to the Northwest and nature in general, I think many people take for granted how good we have it, It is a celebration of life, the planet, and all creatures who live here.

“Nutty Chef” – by Suzanne Sullivan and FareStart staff and volunteers 2007

“Nutty Chef” was inspired by FareStart and their mission. They provide culinary job training and a placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Their goal is to create a community that empowers students to succeed in their program and transform their lives. Participating in the Nutcracker March is a way for FareStart (www.farestart.org) to connect with the larger community, and for the community to connect with the issue of homelessness. At FareStart, preparing food leads to better lives, represented by the Nutcracker Chef that you see before you.

“Pablo Picasso” – by Mariah Ruggles 2007

“Pablo Picasso” pays homage to one of the most recognized figures in 20th century art. Picasso followed in his father’s footsteps regarding his love of art and is best known as the co-founder of cubism. Here, Mariah created a realistic portrait of Picasso with epoxy, paint and sculptures. You can also find copies of his most famous works on the base. Mariah Ruggles has been involved in other community art projects as well. She has created pigs for the Pike Place Market and a buck for Bucks for PACE, benefiting the Performing Arts Center Eastside in Bellevue.

“Pacific Northwest Nutcracker” – by Freeda Lapos Babson 2007

“Pacific Northwest Nutcracker” is a celebration of Mother Nature’s gifts to the Pacific Northwest. Tulips, flowers, ocean, fish, trees and much more adorn this nutcracker to show just how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. Freeda used a variety of materials to produce this bright and joyful nutcracker. She has also created art for Gilda Club Seattle’s Red Door project, Pigs on Parade and Mukilteo’s Lighthouse project.

“Pirate of the Caribbean” – by Leslie Thyagarajan 2007

“Pirate of the Caribbean” was inspired by the movie and myth of Jack Sparrow. He was created using gem stones, photos, stickers, glitter and whimsical designs. Aside from the Nutcracker March, Leslie has been involved in other community art projects including Ponies on Parade. She also created three pigs this year for the Pike Place Market Foundation.

“Prince Gordon” – by Paul Illian 2007

“Prince Gordon” was created using fiberglass and epoxy, various colored paints and old toys. Paul used a space theme when designing this nutcracker for the Museum of Flight and has modified it by repositioning the arm and attaching a toy to the back. Six years ago artist Paul Illian decided to “walk away from it all.” He gave up his job to do whatever strikes his fancy. He draws, paints, creates and participates in community art projects, including The West Edge Chalk Walk and the Milk Carton Derbies.

“Prince Marti Party” – by Sarah Ingersoll 2007

“Prince Marti Party” was inspired by the different seasons and reasons to celebrate and enjoy life with the anticipation of fun to come. Sarah wants to convey the enjoyment of music, dance, excitement and uniting with friends and family. Sarah is honored to help Northwest families in her own creative way. As a mother and a grandmother, she truly believes in supporting children, families and the community.

“Prints’ of Crows” – by Kamilla White 2007

“‘Prints’ of Crows” was inspired by the intelligence and playfulness of crows that Kamilla enjoys. When she moved to Seattle, she noticed there were many of them here. She started watching them more closely and imagining them having fun with “people stuff.” Material was added to simulate a beak and Kamilla used professional sign paint and clear varnish to create her nutcracker. She has participated in the Nutcracker March all three years now as well as Queen Anne’s Uptown Stroll in 2004 and 2007.

“Riding the Magic Carpet” – by Shannon Krig 2007

This nutcracker won "Best of Show" of the 60 nutcrackers designed in 2007! Salty's used this as the design for their first German glass Nutcracker Holiday Ornament which you can buy at Salty's online store. “Riding the Magic Carpet” is a play on the word “riding,” referring to buses, transportation and Metro transit. Shannon Krig of StarDesign, Inc., was commissioned by Metro King County to design their nutcracker. The challenge was to come up with a transportation theme for the nutcracker. Her concept was of a geenie "Riding Metro's Magic Carpet." The nutcracker used paint, cut vinyl and stravorski crystals placed all over the nutcracker creating sparkle, day and night. The nutcracker glows at night!

“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Nutcracker Band – John” – by Doug Keith 2007

The two “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Nutcracker Band” nutcrackers were created using mostly acrylic paint. John Winston Ono Lennon was one of the founding members of the Beatles and played in the band from 1960 to 1970. John was a popular musician, artist, author and peace activist. A song from Sgt. Pepper came on the radio when creator Doug Keith was brainstorming and suddenly the Fab Four, appearing as decorated nutcrackers just like the classic album cover, popped in his head. Doug has participated in the Nutcracker March all three years, as well as Ponies on Parade and Pigs on Parade. His versatility has earned a wide range of projects including children’s book illustration, a series of popular alphabet posters and numerous fine arts commissions.

“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Nutcracker Band – Paul” – by Doug Keith 2007

The two “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Nutcracker Band” nutcrackers were created using mostly acrylic paint. Sir James Paul McCartney is one of the founding members of the Beatles and played in the band from 1960 to 1970. Paul was one of the most successful music talents of all time. The Beatles recorded Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967 so this year marks a 40-year anniversary! Creator Doug Keith was inspired by the Beatles album while brainstorming ideas for his nutcracker. Doug has participated in the Nutcracker March all three years, as well as Ponies on Parade and Pigs on Parade. He opened his illustration and design studio in 1983. Doug’s awards include an Emmy for television graphics and the Benjamin Franklin Award for book illustration.

“So Much Depends” – by Eric Montoya 2006

Based on the poem “so much depends” by William Carlos Williams the nutcracker is divided into four pictorial sections that represent William’s broken stanzas and visual language in the most playful and straightforward manner. We emphasize visually the way each stanza can be read independent of the next and the artistic nature of Williams’ language. This includes moving the first line of the poem down to the base of the Nutcracker where it becomes the pedestal on which the rest of the poem sits and elevates the most memorable symbol to the top. The wheelbarrow acts as a beacon to entice interest and allow the viewer to contemplate the poetry, words, color, still life, representation and abstraction.
so much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens.

“Stirring Colors” – by Jay Fredrickson 2007

“Stirring Colors” is based on a previous art project that Jay created and has transferred beautifully to the nutcracker in front of you. Jay’s abstract design is a whirlwind of color and pattern, creating a fun representation of his talent. Aside from the Nutcracker March, Jay has also created pigs for the Pike Place Market and is excited about creating more public art for the city of Seattle.

“Tchaikovsky” – by L. Kelly Lyles 2007

“Tchaikovsky” is a sepia, duotone vintage portrait of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The nutcracker also features the biography of Tchaikovsky, composer of the famous Nutcracker ballet. The Christmas-time favorite was his last, composed from 1891-1892. L. Kelly Lyles, creator of this nutcracker, specializes in realism and portraits. In addition to creating this nutcracker, Kelly has also created a 40-foot mural based on historical photos for the Kent Arts Commission. Kelly’s car, home and paintings have been featured in magazine articles, books, film and television shows nationally and around the world.

“The Big Kahuna” – by Bruce & Shannon Anderson 2007

“The Big Kahuna” was modeled after the Polynesian Tiki culture of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Bruce and Shannon used automotive paint, bamboo and thatch to adorn the fiberglass statue in front of you. Along with nutcrackers, Bruce and Shannon have created pigs, ponies and various art projects in Kent, Seattle, Chicago, Burien and Sumner.

“The Garden of the Life of Tomorrow” – by Michal Ozeri Goldberg 2007

“The Garden of the Life of Tomorrow” represents established peace, love of kindness, light and compassion, goodness, blessing, graciousness and life. Michal’s vision was created with paint, ceramic and wood flowers and copper wire. Michal has created nutcrackers and ponies in the past and has extensive experience teaching both youth and adults. She studied ceramics design at Bezalel Art Academy in Israel and now teaches ceramics at Bellevue Community College and Kirkland Arts Center.

“The Gilded Pollock” – by Shari Hutchinson 2007

“The Gilded Pollock” was decorated in this year’s “Benny Bear” colors but in a Jackson Pollock-inspired style. Benny bear, Ben Bridge Jeweler’s annual holiday bear, has lots of gold and other metallic colors. This is how “Jack the Dripper” would have painted the nutcracker if he were a jeweler, as well as a painter! Shari Hutchinson created this nutcracker with the help of the rest of the sales crew at Ben Bridge Jeweler’s. She normally does oil paintings and exhibits her work on the Kitsap Peninsula and on Bainbridge Island.

“The King and I” – by Paul Illian 2006

"The King and I" is a piece that shows the different aspects of being a King and on the top of the world. While fully intended to be humorous and enjoyed by all, it shows that being a King has risks and rewards. The public is left individually to decide which king is which in the title.

“The Princess of the Wildwood” – by Tom Smith-Hurt 2006

“The Princess of the Wildwood” is a love story! The Prince is having a troubling dream while sleeping in the castle, a dream in which he is searching for his love, the Princess. Unbeknownst to him, the Princess is riding with eager anticipation toward the castle, tired from a long journey, and anxious to see her beloved. The Prince is shown sleeping (as a large form on the base of the Nutcracker), and as a myriad of smaller Nutcracker men, depicting the different episodes of his dream. The Princess is shown riding upon a red/brown horse at night, with the castle away in the distance. The moon is shining, and mountains are visible in the background. The inspiration for “The Princess of the Wildwood” came from knowing and loving my wife, Kay. (She came up with the name for the Nutcracker).

“The Tin Cracker” – by Fiona Potter & Tim Sternat 2007

“The Tin Cracker” is a blend of two magical worlds: the Nutcracker and the Wizard of Oz. An enchanting combination, this nutcracker takes your mind far, far away! Fiona and Tim have been involved in visual arts for a combined 55 years and are dedicated to making art and music.

“Trailing-Cracker” – by Adrienne Anderson Smith 2007

“The Trailing Cracker” represents trails of the Northwest… done with the cooperative labor of our little natives: slugs! Adrienne was inspired after watching a news report about French people painting with escargot. She has always found the trails of slugs rather interesting, and you can see how right she is. When done with complimentary colors, their trails are deep with personality. Adrienne participates in countless community art projects, including charity auctions and craft demonstrations. She also created two pigs for the Pike Place Market Foundation, one of them covered with trails. Adrienne’s work has also been featured on an Emmy nominated episode of Evening Magazine.

“Waltz of the Snowflakes” – by Villa Academy 2007

“Waltz of the Snowflakes” was inspired by the music from the Nutcracker ballet. Not only is the waltz heard in the play, it is also being performed by the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall during the holiday season. The Villa Academy is a private Catholic school in Seattle that focuses on the development of the heart as well as the mind and encourages confidence and enthusiasm in their students. Their mission is to develop character and prepare culturally competent individuals.

“Weather or Nut” – by Karen Fox 2007

“Weather or Nut” is a beautiful representation of the weather, in all its wet and wild glory. Karen wanted to capture Mother Nature at her best, as you can see with the magnificent detail and artistry that Karen put into this nutcracker. Karen is an employee at Coastal Environmental Systems. She has donated oil paintings to local charity auctions before, but this is her first venture into community art projects.

"White Christmas" – by Gage Academy 2007