An exhibit of Christmas crèches from around the world are still on display in the Saint Meinrad Archabbey Library through January 6. The collection includes portrayals of the Nativity in a variety of styles and forms. Sculptures from Mexico and Thailand are joined by a West Virginia exhibit carved from coal.
The display features crèches from the monastery collection, as well as from the Catherine A. Smith Nativity Collection, which was donated to Saint Meinrad in 2002 in memory of Charles Patrick (“Pat”) Smith.
Ms. Smith began collecting nativity sets in 1971, purchasing many during her extensive travels throughout the world. She donated the collection to Saint Meinrad in memory of her brother, who studied for the priesthood at Saint Meinrad and later served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
The crèches selected for display represent a variety of styles and media, such as porcelain, wood, glazed tile, glass, cloth, stone, metals, and ceramic.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. For library hours, call 812-357-6401 or 800-987-7311 (all times central), or visit the Archabbey Library’s website: www.saintmeinrad.edu/library/library-hours/.
The library will be closed until January 1. Visitors may wish to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to view the exhibit.
