A global Nativity

Story and Photos By Beth Donze, Clarion Herald

Nearly 170 Nativity sets from across the world are on display at the St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center, 2025 Constance St., in New Orleans. The exhibit of Christmas art concludes Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

During the first week of Advent, the Christ Child is intentionally placed in his manger a few weeks early when the Friends of St. Alphonsus present their “International Crèche Exhibit” at the St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center in New Orleans. This year’s exhibit boasts a record 168 Nativity scenes of all shapes, sizes and national origins. Fashioned out of media such as wood, glass, stained glass, metal, clay, ceramic and fabric, the depictions of the stable scene at Bethlehem line window sills, occupy the nooks and crannies of column bases and sprawl across temporary wooden planks balanced atop pews inside the more than 160-year-old space. Remaining opening times are Friday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon-4 p.m. The St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center is located at 2025 Constance St.