MOC Holiday Table entries accepted Oct. 31 to Nov. 4
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EAST LIVERPOOL - The Museum of Ceramics will take entries for The Holiday Table from Oct. 31 through Nov. 4. The event is both an exhibit and a contest. Contestants may enter by bringing a card table (or table of equivalent size), locally made dinnerware, linens and other accoutrements to create an eye-catching tablescape. There is a $5 entry fee and prizes are awarded for Best of Show, Most Creative, Best Holiday Table, and Best Display of Local Pottery.
Museum Director Susan Weaver explained that this is the 6th year for the tables.
"This is certainly one of our favorite events. We usually get over 20 entries and they really look beautiful scattered throughout the museum. They stay in place until mid-December," she said, noting that those who enter the contest are also supporting the museum by providing an added attraction to the permanent exhibits.
The tables may be decorated for the Christmas holiday, or any other theme may be used. Past years have included tablescapes decorated for Easter, Halloween, Hanukkah and New Year's Eve. There have been sports themed tables, a Harry Potter chocolate cart, anniversary table and a game night theme. The possibilities are only limited by the creator's imagination.
Weaver said, that in one case, it has become a family affair. Merle Russo and his daughter, Heather Morris, have had an entry every year and one or the other has won an award each year. Merle is known for the beautiful decorations that he designs for Holy Trinity Church at St. Aloysius and the East Liverpool Historical Society's Thompson House. His tables are always simplistic but elegant, and he uses color as his theme. Both Merle and Heather have extensive collections of local pottery that they use for their tablescapes. Heather's tables often feature a more whimsical look. Her 2022 entry, "High Teas with Lilibet and Paddington," celebrated the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. For the past three years, Merle's wife Karen joined in the fun and has entered her own designs. She won last year's "Best Display of Local Pottery" award for the table "Appalachian Spring," featuring Homer Laughlin's Dogwood. And in 2022, Heather's daughter, Ashlin, followed the family tradition and submitted her first table. Three generations of Russos have really contributed to the success of The Holiday Table event.
The online version of The Holiday Table has also returned this year. Out-of-towners may get in on the fun by sending up to three photos of a tablescape to moctheholidaytable@gmail.com. There are no entries fees and three tablescapes are allowed per person. These tablescapes will be featured on the museum's website.
The tables are available for viewing, beginning Nov. 7, on any day the museum is open. They will also be the focus of the annual holiday open house Dec. 3 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Docents will be present to tell stories about the tables and provide information. Anyone interested in entering may find more information (rules and guidelines) at the themuseumofceramics.com/holiday.