HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 31, 2023) – Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center rings in
the holidays with some of renowned Tennessee artist Ralph J. McDonald’s paintings of Jolly Old
St. Nicholas. The exhibition, titled Magic of Santa: Paintings by Ralph J. McDonald, will run Nov.
18 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024 and feature more than 35 of McDonald’s Yuletide paintings. The arrival
of his work heralds a season of celebration that will include music performances and the
ceremonial lighting of the MACC’s 25-foot outdoor Christmas tree.
“I am simply overjoyed to showcase the paintings of Ralph J. McDonald at Monthaven,”
says Cheryl Strichik, the MACC’s executive director. His paintings capture Santa’s inherent sense
of joy and generosity, and they are guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.”
McDonald was already a renowned wildlife artist before he created his first Santa Clause
painting. That work, titled “A Christmas Party,” was inspired by a trip through Cades Cove in the
Smoky Mountains on a snowy winter day. It was painted in the tradition of the Santa painters
that McDonald most admired, such as Haddon Sundblom, Norman Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth.
Not surprisingly, McDonald’s love of nature finds its way into many of his Santa paintings. The
details of each scene all work together to emit kindness, joy, laughter, peace and serenity.
As a wildlife artist, McDonald’s career is second to none. He was commissioned by the
governor of Tennessee to paint the official state bird, the mockingbird, and by the governor of
South Carolina to paint the state animal and fish, the whitetail deer and striped bass. McDonald
has twice been Featured Artist in several of the most prestigious wildlife art shows in America,
among them the Southeastern Wildlife Expo and World Wildlife Expo.
The opening of Magic of Santa, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, coincides
with this year’s Christmas Tree Elegance. Five stylish, seven-foot Christmas Trees, donated by
Vickman Company, are gorgeously decorated by noted designers. Each tree is uniquely
appointed to match a particular theme. Trees are also embellished with gifts and sold through a
silent auction. All proceeds support the MACC’s arts education and outreach activities.
Other holiday happenings at the MACC include:
• Merry Monthaven Christmas (4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3): This popular
annual event features the lighting of the MACC’s outdoor Christmas tree along
with performances by the Hendersonville High School Jazz Vocal Ensemble and
special Christmas performance by Cole Ritter and the Night Owls.
• Appalachian Road Show (2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17): This visionary
acoustic ensemble will perform in an intimate, Bluebird Café-like setting at the
MACC.
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is a jewel-box art museum and education
facility housed in one of Tennessee’s most spectacular antebellum mansions. A 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization, the MACC has staged exhibitions featuring everything from the ceramic
art of Pablo Picasso to the evening gowns of Princess Diana. The artwork of local artists and
military veterans are also on frequent display. As an art school, the MACC offers classes to more
than 800 children and adults each year. The MACC also provides free arts outreach and healing
arts to underserved children, families and military veterans. For more information, visit
www.monthavenarts.org or call (615) 822-0789.