FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - nvtip -- WHAT:  Silent Auction of Designer Christmas Tree and Art Exhibition by Byron Keith Byrd

WHEN: Viewing and Opening Reception:  Saturday, October 10^th, 6 – 8 pm
Viewing and bidding continue by appointment through November 14^th

WHERE: Mount Sequoyah, Sequoyah Hall and Lawn, 150 North Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701

CONTACT:  Emily Gentry, Mount Sequoyah Main Office, 479.443.4531

Masks are quickly becoming a fashion statement: this holiday season, it's time to celebrate them through creative philanthropy.

Last March, Christmas designer/guru Byron Keith Byrd fled his native Manhattan for sanctuary in the Ozarks.  Arkansas's artistic community at Mount Sequoyah embraced him.  On October 10^th between 6 and 8 pm,  "The Mardi Gras Tree," Byrd's latest custom mask-embellished creation will be unveiled. The tree will be available for viewing and bidding through Nov. 14.

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The new owner of the "The Mardi Gras Tree" will also receive  inscribed copies of Byron Keith Byrd's bestselling, holiday coffee table books, O Christmas Tree, and The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.

The artist has created trees for Harry Winston, Baccarat, Hallmark and The Today Show, as well as for numerous corporations and private clients across the country.

Because Byrd is also recognized for his large-scale abstract expressionist paintings, which reside in public and private collections nationally, the October 10^th event will also feature recent, large-scale abstract oils that will be available for purchase.

"Mardi Gras" is a six-foot-tall white tree complete with Byrd's signature "spill," a plethora of sumptuous, decorative elements that run vertically from top to bottom of the tree.  The spill features peacock feathers, emerald green and blue satin ribbons, delicate feathered butterflies, rich blue crystal teardrops with green and blue twinkling lights.

Also included on the tree are intricate, handmade, Victorian "cones," embellished with Swarvoski crystals.  These historical ornaments were created by artesian, Becky Salley, who has been making these treasures for nearly forty years from her home in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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Topping this one-of-a-kind wonder is a custom designed, 3-D printed finial d'arbe, made especially for this tree by Jon Cromer, Instructor of Art Foundations at the University of Arkansas.

The final embellishment of "The Mardi Gras Tree" is a  magnificent emerald green mask, complete with sparkling stones and plumes.

"The Mardi Gras Tree" is a must-see experience to believe.

Festivities for guests will extend to the lawn of the historical dormitory.

Mount Sequoyah Center is a non-profit community space sharing unique creative programs with the local community and visitors.

Please note that all state and local precautions will be adhered to in response to Covid19.

To view artwork by Byron Keith Byrd, please visit http://www.ByronKeithByrd.com.

Photos courtesy of Theobald Creative