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At the Manger 2021

By Jillian Ewalt

Since 1995, the University of Dayton’s Marian Library has presented a selection of its over 3,600 Nativity scenes from more than 100 countries, celebrating how people around the world ponder and picture the birth of Christ through many different cultural lenses.

Wood, tin, paper, clay

This year's exhibit begins in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Gallery on the first floor of Roesch Library. This space features Nativities from Peru, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Brazil in media including wood, tin, paper and clay. The pieces explore the ways artisans use region-specific media and techniques to represent the Nativity tradition. One of the highlights in this space include three clay Nativities by Mexican sculptor Angélica Vásquez Cruz, who uses “agobes,” a process to color clay using stone or volcanic ash, resulting in subtle but stunning colorways.

This exhibit also features a German paper Nativity from circa 1875 — it’s one of the oldest Nativities in the Marian Library’s collection. While it shows some wear and tear from years of use, this set features brilliantly colored figurines displayed in a Victorian-style stage.

cactus, gadgets, wax, prints

Next, visit the Marian Library Crèche Museum on the seventh floor to learn more about “Mirror of Hope,” a large-scale installation by artist Kevin Hanna. Also on display is “Of Fragile Beauty,” a recently restored wax Nativity from Mexico. Gallery highlights include three prints by artist Janet McKenzie, whose work focuses on diversity and inclusion in Christian iconography. A print by illustrator Everett Patterson reimagines the journey to Bethlehem in a contemporary urban setting and includes a dozen clever, hidden biblical references. 

How to visit

Located on the first and seventh floors of Roesch Library on the University of Dayton campus.

Open through JAN. 7, 2022

Free and open to the public; face coverings are required in the library to protect the health of the community.

Exhibit hours

To take in the full exhibit, plan your visit during these open hours.

  • 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays Nov. 29–Jan. 7
  • 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4–5
  • 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11–12
  • Closed Dec. 8; Dec. 23–Jan. 2, 2022

More information

For more information, see the At the Manger website. You can also email the Marian Library at marianlibrary@udayton.edu or call 937-229-4214.

—Jillian Ewalt is an associate professor and librarian for visual resources in the Marian Library.

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