INDIANAPOLIS — M.K. Watkins loves painting big. She painted a large clown on her young son’s closet door. She spent seven years painting murals on the walls of public schools in Indianapolis, Zionsville and Tipton. And she painted the Christmas mural on display for Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum.
The 8 x 20-foot mural adorns the wall behind the Santa Claus Express train ride. Its five bright panels are a veritable I-spy of Christmas images — 64 different elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus, countless cookies and treats — but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Watkins has hidden more than 40 Indiana references throughout the painting in tribute to famous Hoosiers or as reminders of Indiana days gone by. If kids don’t find them all, then parents and grandparents will.
Among the more visible images are the Indiana state flag, a mastodon that’s part of another display in the museum, a Indy race car with the number 19 (for the 19 stars on the Indiana state flag) and the cherub on the clock from the former L.S. Ayres store in downtown Indianapolis.
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Although Watkins now keeps a studio in Nashville, she called Greenfield home for 20 years. She taught art classes through her State Street business called My Little World and still teaches a class once a week at Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church.
Watkins estimates it took her more than 1,000 hours to complete the mural, and she couldn’t help but include a tribute to her former hometown: One of the elves is reading a book of poetry by Greenfield’s poet laureate, James Whitcomb Riley.
In addition to the Hoosier theme throughout the mural, it also contains a number of inside jokes. For example, the names on Santa’s Nice List are the names all of Watkins’ grandchildren; and Sam — 13, the name on the toy fire truck was the name and age of a young man who showed up one afternoon to help Watkins paint.
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., is open through Jan. 6. Visit indianamuseum.org for open hours and admission prices.
In addition to the Celebration Crossing, many of Indianapolis’ other year-round attractions offer special exhibits and events during the holidays.
Puppets enjoy Christmas, too
While at the Indiana State Museum, allow time for a show at Peewinkle’s Puppet Studio, located on the first floor of the museum near the gift shop. Ludmilla and Mozart, two mice who live in the piano, are the stars of “Christmas at the Puppet Studio.” The artistry and humor of the puppets will delight kids and adults alike. The $12 tickets include free popcorn. Visit peewinklespuppets.org for a complete listing of show times.
Train for holidays at Jingle Rails
There’s just something about Christmas and trains. The holiday centerpiece at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St., is “Jingle Rails: the Great Western Adventure,” otherwise known as heaven for model train buffs. Featuring 1,200 feet of track and more than 30 different recognizable landmarks including the Indianapolis Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and the Golden Gate Bridge, Jingle Rails takes up an entire room in the museum. Visitors can wander through, around and under 13 different overhead railroad trestles. Yes, that IS Bob Lamey’s voice you hear coming from Lucas Oil Stadium. Peer closely, and you will notice that much of the detailed buildings and landscapes are constructed from bark, acorns, tree roots and honeycomb. New to Jingle Rails this season is a representation of U.S. Route 66, the iconic highway that carried motorists between Chicago and Los Angeles during the mid-20th century. Starting with the classic Chicago skyline and a Route 66 signpost, the new addition passes notable tourist attractions from the route’s heyday, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; Cadillac Ranch in Texas; Sinclair filling station with its signature dinosaur; and Blue Swallow Motel in New Mexico, all depicted in miniature. The scene ends in California at the Pacific Park Pier with a fully operating and illuminated Ferris wheel. Jingle Rails is included with regular admission to the Eiteljorg. Adult admission is $15; seniors are admitted for $12; youth ages 5 to 17 are admitted for $8; and children ages four and under are admitted for free. Jingle Rails is open through Jan. 21. For more information, visit eiteljorg.org.
Friendly contest at Festival of Trees
The elegant beauty of the Festival of Trees returns to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. The display features more than 80 elaborately themed trees decorated by businesses and organizations throughout central Indiana. From classic decor to the downright creative, the annual Festival of Trees runs through Jan. 5. The exhibit features dozens of new themes — from holiday staples such as the Sugarplum Fairy and Santa’s sleigh to less traditional concepts such as popping champagne and the fictional Indiana town in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” While the mood is festive, a friendly competition exists between sponsoring businesses for a fan favorite, especially among past winners such as the Indianapolis Zoo and Plow Digital. As visitors tour the winter wonderland, they also can take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the 10 pickle ornaments hidden among the trees throughout the building. Guests are welcome to take a break in the Cole Porter Room where, in addition to popular Porter tunes, a singer leads guests through holiday-themed songs. Regular operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on admission fees, visit indianahistory.org or call 317- 232-1882.
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We won’t give away all the Hoosier clues, but here are a few to look for:
• Santa’s Naughty List includes the names of Scut Farkus and Grover Dill the bullies from the movie “A Christmas Story,” written by Hammond native Jean Shepherd.
• A view from the window is the poster for the movie “Hoosiers.”
• The back wall of the kitchen is made from Indiana limestone.
• Sheet music lying on the floor is Paul Dresser’s state song, “On the Banks of the Wabash.”
• A CD from Hoosier Michael Jackson can be found in Santa’s toy bag.
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