Wreath Interpretations (through Jan. 2, 2026)

The Arsenal Gallery, Central Park 
Fifth Avenue at 64th Street, Third Floor
Monday–Friday, 9a–5p 

These are literally wreaths but not necessarily your run-of-the mill holiday wreaths. This year’s show (I’ve been to several in the past) had a whopping 30 wreaths on display. Some are for sale, ranging from $75 to $1,500. Two were priced Upon Request and one was priced Negotiable. Most, though, were $500 or lower. My photo skills are getting a little better, so I’ll try to post some on Facebook. My handle there is Uncke David (don’t ask). 

I think my favorite was Appaloosa, a horsy-Western-style wreath that included natural grasses and rope. Another interesting one was I’m at a Loss for Words, whose description materials include paper, acrylic, metal, banned books and elbow grease. Most of the wreaths were circular, a couple were ovals, and one was shaped like Staten Island, The Forgotten Borough’s Unforgettable Wreath. (I’m not making this up, you know.) 

Another whimsical one was A Wee Bit of Joy, made from cardboard and plastic inserts from animal waste pick up bags (collected over a year’s time), cardboard toilet paper roll. Clever, indeed. Others that caught my eye and I deemed worthy of photographing were Baroque for the Holidays, Triskelion Star, “Sliding” Through Time (made of a recycled Kodak slide carousel, and images of OMNY and MetroCards), Shellter (Shell-ter) (razor clam shells, acrylic paint, glue and wire), and Gingerbread Baking Co. 

It sounds like a lot, but it only took about forty-five minutes (partially because I had to reshoot a couple of photos). In a way, it’s unfortunate that there are no weekend hours, but if you have time on a weekday, it’s time well spent. And it’s a nice way to do the holidays in a slightly offbeat way. 

ConcertMeister