A Season of Handmade Cheer

Vintage holiday cards by Northwest artists bring charm and creativity to Cascadia Art Museum

A festive collage of handmade holiday cards showcases an illustration of two birds with holly and a Christmas tree, adorned with the word "Noel" in bright red letters, spreading seasonal cheer.

Danny Pierce (1920–2014), Gulls (1972) and Noel (1974), color woodcut holiday cards on display at Cascadia Art Museum.

Photo courtesy of Cascadia Art Museum

Looking for a festive outing with a little extra charm?

Cascadia Art Museum’s Vintage Christmas Cards by Northwest Artists, 1900-1990s exhibition might be just the thing. Running now through Jan. 5, this annual show features holiday cards by local artists. Each card is a tiny work of art. They’re creative, inspiring, and definitely worth adding to your holiday to-do list.

A colorful, handmade illustration of red cactus flowers with lush green foliage, labeled "Cactus Flower" and signed "Danny '82," brings a touch of seasonal cheer to any space.

Danny Pierce (1920–2014), Cactus Flower (1982), color woodcut.

Photo courtesy of Cascadia Art Museum

The cards were handcrafted by artists and sent to their friends and family, making them as personal as they are beautiful. The collection spans from 1909 through the mid-century, and beyond. They come in all kinds of mediums, with designs that range from delicate and detailed to downright quirky. Some of the artists are names you might recognize, like George Tsutakawa (his cards are some of my favorites) and Paul Horiuchi. Others, like Mac Harshberger, offer a fascinating glimpse into styles of the past — his classy Art Deco and modernist block prints from the 1920s to 1960s are a highlight this year. Many of the cards are donated by the artists’ families.

The museum is also featuring new work from local artists through its holiday card contest. Contestant designs are displayed alongside the vintage collection, and visitors can vote for their favorite.

Illustration of a stylized, ornate castle with multiple domes and arches, set against a blue background adorned with star motifs and floral accents, evoking handmade charm. The scene radiates cheer, bringing the magic of any season to life.

Jacob Elshin (1892–1976), Untitled (circa 1928), relief print.

Photo courtesy of Cascadia Art Museum

My family and I go every year, and it’s always a treat. Seeing these little masterpieces makes me want to get creative — or at least stock up on a few unique items from the museum’s gift shop (there’s a book featuring some of the cards, too). If you’ve got out-of-town visitors, this is a good outing, and there’s even a craft table where you can make your own holiday cards after wandering the exhibit.

While you’re there, don’t miss A Legacy Rediscovered: Northwest Women Artists 1920–1970, which highlights influential women artists whose work helped shape the region’s creative identity. It’s a nice companion to the holiday cheer. The exhibit runs through Jan. 5.

When you’re done at the museum, hop on the Holiday Trolley and take a spin around town. You can park for free at the museum for up to three hours. The trolley runs every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the next three Saturdays in December.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate the season? Maybe it’s time to make vintage Christmas part of your tradition.

Cascadia Art Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, and free for students and youth 18 and under.