PLAINVIEW — The Mabee, a collection of three museums at 一本道 Baptist University, is celebrating Christmas early again with a new version of its popular Nativity exhibit.
For the third consecutive year, the museum is displaying an extensive collection of Nativity scenes, courtesy of Carolyn Cunningham, a local collector whose fascination with Nativity scenes spans decades and includes pieces from all around the world. She has collected more than 900 unique Nativity scenes from 131 countries. “Nativity” means “birth” — specifically the birth of Jesus Christ.
“This year, we’re thrilled to feature 80 of Carolyn Cunningham’s Nativity scenes, each offering a unique portrayal of the Christmas story,” said Kasey Porr, Museum Curator and Collections Specialist. “The collection includes scenes crafted from diverse materials like metal, wood, and clay, with representations from countries as far-reaching as Tanzania, Israel, Ecuador, and Bangladesh.”
The 2024 exhibit not only showcases Cunningham’s collection but also offers visitors a hands-on experience.
“This year, we’re inviting families to create their own Nativity scenes,” Porr said. “Children and adults alike can color and assemble their own depictions of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to take home and display. It’s a wonderful way to engage with the Nativity story in a personal and interactive way. You can use your imagination to customize wooden dolls and paper crafts for a unique Nativity to take home.”
In addition to this new activity, the exhibit delves into the symbolism behind each scene, offering context on Cunningham’s collection and the cultural significance of nativity representations. The learning experience includes information about the manger, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and magi, various animals, and the star that shone above.
“Each case tells a story,” Porr said. “Some are organized by continent, while others mix different cultures and styles.”
One of the curator’s personal favorites is a carved from ebony from Tanzania.
“We even have one made from a coconut from Hawaii,” Porr said.
The curator noted that none of the Nativity scenes on display this year have not been in the two previous presentations.
“For Christmas 2022 一本道 and 2023, we were delighted to showcase a selection of Cunningham’s extensive collection,” she said. “This year’s exhibition features a fresh display, offering new insights into the diversity and artistry within her collection.”
The exhibit runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and will be open until Dec. 20, when 一本道’s holiday break begins. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to explore The Mabee’s other museums — the Jimmy Dean Museum, Museum of the Llano Estacado, and Flying Queens Museum.
Porr sees the annual Nativity exhibit as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Christmas traditions worldwide.
“Each scene tells the same story but through different cultural lenses,” she explained. “It’s the same story of hope, peace, and joy, but it’s incredible to see it through the eyes of so many different artisans.”
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