As a part of the Dallas Arboretum’s The Artistry of the Nativity exhibit, Broadway star George Dvorsky’s extensive collection of crèches is showcased in the elegant library of the historic DeGolyer House beginning November 27 through January 3. In the 1,700-square-foot library of the 21,000 square foot historic home celebrating its 75th anniversary, Dvorsky’s collection of 300 nativities from around the world are carefully displayed among the lavish holiday décor and design.
Having a long list of Broadway appearances and star roles, Dvorsky has performed with symphonies all over the world, allowing him to expand his collection of nativities from many of the places he has traveled. He has starred on Broadway in the title role of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the Tony Award Winning Passion, Marilyn: An American Fable and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He also played Prince Charming in the premiere of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Lincoln Center where he also acted the role of Tommy in Brigadoon.
Dvorsky’s fascination with nativities began as a young child when his father would wait until the church emptied and take him down the aisle to see the beautiful crèches displayed on stage. At that age, he said that was what he considered to be the most beautiful pieces of art.
In the past 30 years, Dvorsky has collected approximately 300 nativity sets from many places he has traveled and from friends and family. Some are small enough to fit in a doll house, one is made out of beeswax, another is made by the Italian sculptor Armani, one is crafted from banana tree leaves in Tanzania, one set was gifted from former First Lady Barbara Bush and Dvorsky’s favorite nativity was hand embroidered and crocheted by his mother.
“As a child, I was fascinated by the true Christmas story and the purity and beauty that it promised every year,” Dvorsky said. “My dream now is to share them all by displaying them in museums or other appropriate settings so that everyone can discover what I did as a child – the true meaning of Christmas.”
Also on display throughout the DeGolyer House are the many other crèches that make up The Artistry of the Nativity exhibition with 500 total nativities, including Dr. and Mrs. Ray Harrington’s collection. The Artistry of the Nativity is open for viewings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and on Wednesday nights in December during The 12 Days at Night.
Holiday at the Arboretum sponsors include Iberia Bank and Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District. For The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit also taking place as part of the holiday festivities in the garden, the gazebo sponsors include the following:
Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Sponsored by Jeanne R. Johnson
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 3: Three French Hens
Sponsored by Faye C. Briggs
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
In honor of Great Grandparents Dolph and Evelyn Bosley and their 5 Gold Rings
Day 6: Six Geese A-Laying
Sponsored by Marilyn R. Corrigan
Day 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming
Sponsored by Tom and Phyllis McCasland
Day 8: Eight Maids-A-Milking
Sponsored by Kathy and Gene Bishop
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
In Honor of Chloe Simone Shea. Given by Holly & Tom Mayer, Maile and Charles Shea
Day 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping
Sponsored by The Margot A. and Carl J. Johnson Foundation
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Sponsored by Myron K. Martin
For more information about The Artistry of the Nativity and George Dvorsky’s collection, watch the video or visit www.dallasarboretum.org.