Christmas Collections: Bowers finds joy in collection of nativity scenes
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Shirley Bowers' collection of nativity scenes comes in an unusually wide assortment of forms, shapes, and sizes.
The manger scene and holy family can be found on wall hangings, plates, a mug, a candle, books, a cookie jar, and an assortment of tree ornaments.
A pop-up Christmas card, music boxes, stained glass, ceramics, a sweat shirt, and Marlow wood cuts also are in her collection.
The most nostalgic item is a water color nativity scene Bowers painted when she was in the eighth grade. Her mother saved it and gave it to her years later.
Unique among the 250 items in Bowers' collection are those from other countries including the Holy Land, Germany, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates. A ceramic from Alaska displays the nativity scene in an igloo.
Some of the items are handmade by relatives and friends or by Bowers herself. Some are lighted.
The Marion woman figures she has been collecting nativity scenes for at least 20 years. Many of the items were displayed at St. Luke Living Center a few weeks ago and now are on display at Marion Senior Center.
