Date: Fri 22-Dec-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A-15

Quick Words:

Thacker-Santas-dolls-Christmas

Full Text:

(short story on Irene Thacker & her Santa/winter dolls, 12/22/95)

For Irene Thacker, Santa Brings Joy All Year

(with photos)

By Shannon Hicks

A few years ago, Irene Thacker wanted to make something special for her

daughter, Nita Hill, for Christmas. Irene had decided she wanted to do

something by hand, something her daughter would be able to keep forever and

always associate with her mother.

That was how the Appleblossom Lane, Newtown, resident began a project that has

continued for four years and has snowballed into a loving hobby. Irene Thacker

designs and creates unique Santas and winter-related figures, fully costumed

in robes, hats and outfits that look like something out of an elaborate fairy

tale.

Irene's first doll - the one originally planned for Nita - was fashioned after

a Lenox figure called "Father China." However, since then Irene has let her

imagination wander, creating her own characters and costumes. The first doll

was not completed in time for Christmas, but Irene says Nita didn't mind. In

fact, her daughter has become her best critic.

"She comes in and supplies me with ideas," Irene said last week. "She

encourages me."

After the second doll was finished, Irene was hooked on this creative output

she had found.

The dolls are generally six to eight inches in height, and the detailing Irene

puts into their outfits - from the wispy white feathers of a snow princess'

wrap to the tiny dolls and gift boxes in Santa's sleigh, even to the tiny

pinecones and garland in an ancient figure's crown - is exquisite. Irene's

creativity and imagination comes through in each individual creation.

"I always seem to have an idea for the next one," Irene explained. "Sometimes

I get an idea and [the doll and costume] goes together quickly, but sometimes

I get stuck and I'll try to start all over."

Being retired, Irene says, only adds to the enjoyment factor of putting

together the dolls because she isn't rushed, nor does she have to "make time"

for her hobby. She has been approached about selling some of her dolls but has

refused to part with any of them, insisting on keeping them in her family.

"This isn't something I have to do, it is something I enjoy doing," she says.

"It's relaxing, especially because there is no time limit."

To date, Irene has created nearly sixty of the precious dolls and outfits. The

last two winters, they were put on display at the C.H. Booth Library in

Newtown. This year, however, the dolls have been divided into two groups, with

one group being viewed at the Bethel Public Library and the other at the

Danbury Public Library. A mutual friend suggested to Danbury Library art

curator June Canavan she look at Irene's dolls, and when Ms Canavan saw a

sampling of the dolls in September, she thought they would be perfect for a

holiday exhibit.

Irene says she would have loaned them to Newtown's library again this year,

but when she didn't hear from Newtown she thought maybe the library had

decided to take a break from displaying the dolls for a year. (She did finally

hear from the Booth Library, but only after she had already committed the

dolls to Bethel and Danbury.)

"I wanted to have them seen somewhere, but I didn't want to seem pushy," she

said with a laugh, referring to not calling the Booth Library.

Irene Thacker's Santa and winter-related dolls and figurines can be seen in

"The Spirit of Christmas" at the Danbury Public Library, 170 Main Street,

through December 31. The group of dolls at the Bethel Public Library, 189

Greenwood Avenue, is also on view through the end of the month. The dolls may

be seen during regular library hours.