The Rockwell Museum is pleased to announce the winner of the Second Annual Gingerbread Invitational Community Choice Award. The Gingerbread Invitational is a fun, artful gingerbread competition and exhibition with a focus on historic landmarks and architecture in the beloved region surrounding historic Corning, NY.
Community voters echoed the judges’ sentiments, choosing “Mark Twain Study” as the exhibition favorite. The group of friends, including Ann Cady, Colleen McCall, and Martha Easton, also won the Judges’ Choice First Prize in the competition. Their stunning gingerbread recreation of the iconic Elmira landmark featured cookie stonework, jellybean roof trimming, and several lounging cats sculpted from modeling chocolate, in honor of Mark Twain’s love of animals.
Team member Colleen McCall, at news of their win, said, “We cannot accept this award without thanking Google, who taught us everything we know about gingerbread construction. We hope more novice bakers such as ourselves are encouraged to enter next year. Planning and preparation are key. What better way to start the holidays than baking with good friends? Thanks for letting us live out our Cake Boss fantasy and sharing in the sweet fun of the season.”
“People love Mark Twain. People love cats,” said Project Coordinator Willa Vogel of The Rockwell Museum. “In conjunction with their evident talent, this team made a very wise choice in their subject matter – whether that was part of their strategy or not!”
Vogel continues, “Visitors were just so excited to cast their vote this year. The support from the community tells us that this will be a successful tradition for years to come.”
The Gingerbread Invitational Exhibition was on view at The Rockwell Museum throughout the holiday season, and visitors to The Rockwell had the opportunity to vote for their favorite creation, and even left with a special “I Voted” gingerbread sticker. This was the second year of The Gingerbread Invitational, but The Rockwell plans to make it a tradition for years to come.
Those interested in participating in the 2017 Gingerbread Invitational should contact Willa Vogel, vogelw@rockwellmuseum.org. The 2017 Gingerbread Invitational was sponsored in part by LeChase Construction.
About The Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of the American experience through a display of stunning art about America. Founded in 1976, The Rockwell is an evolving community center which showcases the best of America through compelling exhibitions and imaginative programs. The diverse collection includes a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures, landscape paintings and other works that embody America. Housed in the beautifully restored 19th century Old City Hall building, The Rockwell is active in the local community and holds special events and educational programming with area public schools. The Rockwell provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience.
