Six uniquely adorned 20-foot pine trees will be the star attractions at the 50th anniversary of the Carnegie Trees exhibit.
The Women's Committee of the Carnegie Museum of Art, which decorated the first trees in 1961, chose this year's theme: "Solid Gold: Classics that Endure," in honor of the golden anniversary. Barbara Granito is a Women's Committee member and Chair of the Carnegie Trees. She said that a strong 50-year history has made seeing these pines a special Pittsburgh experience.
"It's a wonderful, unique kind of eccentric Pittsburgh tradition, and it's really an exhibition and made to appeal to all generations," Granito said. "We would really like to make it a multi-generational family tradition."
The trees will be unveiled om December 7 at the Carnegie Trees Preview Party, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.
"It's $65, which is, on an inflation-adjusted basis, unchanged from the $15 it was originally," Granito said. "And there will be music. The Ellis Glee Club will be singing, there will be harpists, food and drink, and a real festive, elegant atmosphere."
The pines will be on display from December 8 to January 7. With museum admission, you can see the six trees in the Hall of Architecture.
This year's trees are inspired by art, culture, and science. They include a Green Eggs and Ham tree, a King Midas and the Golden Touch tree, and a tree themed Tracking Nature Bird by Bird, which also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the bird migration program at the Powdermill Reserve in the Laurel Highlands. Three other trees are adorned to represent Andy Warhol, photographer Teenie Harris, and the Carnegie Library's tree showcasing classic holiday treats.
Granito said that the event is a great Pittsburgh tradition.
"I moved to Pittsburgh a few years ago and I discovered the trees when I moved from New York City and think … in terms of extreme decorating for the holidays, this is one of the most fun, cool exhibitions that one can see," Granito said.
