HV Arts Council
— A prized herd of oxen has been reinstalled in the quadrangle in front of The Pennington School. These remaining oxen will graze in the community through the holidays to raise awareness of the Year of the OX Gala scheduled for Jan. 24, 2015 at the Grounds for Sculpture.
At the event, which will feature a cocktail hour with a tasting menu by local chefs and dinner provided by Rats Restaurant, these prized bovines will be sold by live auction to the highest bidders. This is your last chance to own a bit of the legacy of the Hopewell Valley Stampede! To learn more about the Gala, visit the website at www.hvartscouncil.org.
— WORKSHOPS:
Heirloom Mosaic Ornament — Dec. 2 — Create a mosaic holiday ornament that’s sure to become a family favorite. Choose from a wide range of materials including glass and ceramic tiles and other decorative elements. Feel free to bring an idea or sketch with you…or we can help you get started. Workshop includes all supplies, including a 4-inch bisque ornament with a stand to display your masterpiece. Given time constraints, grouting will be completed by the instructors after the class. Ornaments will be ready for pickup by Dec. 12.
Food & Wine Pairings for the Holidays — Dec. 4 — Uncork your holiday cheer! But don’t just rely on your old standbys this year. Enjoy a relaxing evening while tasting something new. Bob and Chef Will have collaborated to create a four-course tasting menu. Wines have been specially selected to pair with foods typically served at holiday celebrations. Food samplings will be presented with each wine course. While you sip, learn about each wine’s history, origin and unique taste characteristics.
For more details and to register, go to www.hvartscouncil.org/workshops. Classes are limited, so register soon.
— On Dec. 5, the Pennington Business and Professional Association will hold is annual Holiday Walk in downtown Pennington. The event marks the start of the holiday season, and brings the town together for a night of family friendly festivities, marked by the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. at Howe Commons. Santa will visit, and the Pennington Dance Company and HVCHS Brass Band will perform. This is an opportunity to support local merchants and to buy a copy of the Stampede book that captures the uniqueness of every ox. Come join the fun!
— Every December, the Hopewell Township Parks and Recreation Department hosts an annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony to celebrate local community spirit. This year, the Recreation Advisory Committee is honoring the Hopewell Valley Arts Council and artists of the Stampede for the positive impact this public art exhibit had on the community this year.
In recognizing the Arts Council, the Recreation Committee said: "Through your efforts, you created a "Stampede" of residents who were excited about the Oxen. Some made it a goal to visit each and every one and many stopped to take family photos with the Oxen. You created such positive energy with this project and we would like members of the Arts Council and as many artists who would like to come, to be a part of our annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony."
This year’s event is scheduled for Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the Hopewell Township Municipal Building, where a white pine tree will be adorned with over 2,000 lights. After a brief welcome, local youth music groups will sing holiday favorites, the Arts Council and artists will be recognized and the Community Tree will be lit. The 20-30 minute ceremony will conclude with light refreshments in the lobby of the municipal building and copies of the Stampede book will be for sale at the reception.
Please come join this community celebration at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building, located at 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road.
