News Flash

Nov. 4, 2016 - A Christmas tree ornament inspired by both the blue crab and the Spanish word for blue has found a place in the governor's executive mansion this holiday season.

The ornament, called Azule, was created by Hampton artist Mariela Freire Haga, first place winner of the 2016 Holiday Tree Ornament contest. Selected by a panel of judges, Azule will represent Hampton at the Executive Mansion during the holiday season.

Haga is a Hampton Arts League member and studies painting at The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center. She will be exhibiting in the upcoming “Small Works and Miniatures by Tidewater Artists” exhibition at the center December 10 through January 22.

“We’re thrilled that the City of Hampton will have such a hometown presence this holiday season at the Executive Mansion,” said Hampton Arts Artistic Director Richard M. Parison, Jr. “Ms. Haga’s ornament represents a long tradition of visual arts and craftsmanship in Hampton as exemplified by our very own Charles H. Taylor Arts Center.”

"Hampton has a rich cultural and artistic heritage, both of which are highlighted in the winning ornament,” said City Manager Mary Bunting. “We are pleased to see that represented so well in the Governor’s initiative to highlight Virginia localities."

In 1987, the Hampton City Council established the city department known as the Hampton Arts Commission. Since its creation, The Hampton Arts Commission (fondly known as Hampton Arts) has been a much respected and praised institution responsible for a remarkable renaissance of the arts not only within Hampton, but also within the entire Hampton Roads region.

Hampton Arts oversees both the venues and the programming at The American Theatre and The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center.