Idyllwild Gallery of Fine Art Invites Community to a Christmas Eve for Idyllwild

On Christmas Eve from 2-5 p.m. the Idyllwild Gallery of Fine Art is extending an invitation to Idyllwild to celebrate the season with an afternoon of caroling, Christmas cheer, Santa surprises and a chance to help ARF (Animal Rescue Friends) and Living Free. “Ever since we rescued Reggie, we have been supporters of ARF. Recently we took our grandchildren to visit Living Free and were equally impressed by their efforts to help dogs and cats in need of shelter and care,” stated Chris Maxson, owner of the gallery. “There are lots of programs to call our attention to humans during Christmas, but few for the animals. We decided to change that,” Maxson added.

The Christmas Eve afternoon event will welcome back Deena Ashley, best known in Idyllwild for her beautiful voice and effervescent personality as the hostess of the Summer Concerts. Ashley is returning to Idyllwild from her new home in the East for her first and only appearance this year. There will be sing-a-long caroling and a chance to hear some of Ashley’s original songs.

Judy Smith of the Creekstone Inn is known for her wonderful family recipe for spiced cider. Smith will brew up a batch and toast guests in the spirit of the season. Trudy Tradowski of Oma’s has promised to match Smith’s culinary skills with Holiday treats and goodies.

Anticipating that a number of grandchildren will be visiting for the Holiday, the Maxsons have selected some special stocking stuffers to delight them. A raffle drawing for hand made glass and clay Holiday Ornaments will take place every hour with several winners chosen from guests in attendance. All of the raffle monies will be given to ARF and Living Free as well as 10 % of the proceeds for the entire day.

Jane Stonehill, the founder of ARF will be in attendance with one of ARF’s most adoptable Holiday animals. ARF helps area dogs and cats by working to find permanent homes for animals that are homeless, unwanted, or otherwise neglected or in need of care. ARF members provide temporary homes until permanent homes are secured, offers spay and neuter services, and provides food for pets whose human companions are unable to supply adequate nutrition. ARF also helps to reunite lost pets with their humans when a pet is lost and/or found and assists in getting animals emergency veterinary care.

Living Free is a non-profit animal sanctuary located in Mountain Center. Led by Joan Fagan of Idyllwild, its primary mission is to provide refuge for abused and orphaned cats and dogs.

The Idyllwild Gallery of Fine Art is located in space C6 in The Village Centre. For more information contact the gallery at 659-1948 or visit www.idyllwildgallery.com.