As I wrote in several previous blogs, I love public art displays. When the 2024 Nutcracker Wonderland was unveiled earlier this month at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, I was there.

This year named “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet’s Wonderland,” the public art project features 25 nutcrackers painted by area high school students. Mentored by teachers and professional artists and working with sponsors, the students represent the businesses within the nutcracker’s design.

Maine East High School students paint a nutcracker. (C) Village of Rosemont

The nutcrackers immediately greeted me upon entering the convention center. The spinning stands provide full 360-degree views. A sports convention and a muscle car exhibition in different halls, a horror convention across the street, and art fans like me drew an interesting mix of a crowd. It was fun seeing adult men in sports jerseys, carrying various memorabilia items, stopping at the seemingly unexpected art exhibit.

The project supports the arts community while raising awareness of local businesses. The sculptures debuted at the convention center before moving to Rosemont Theatre to promote Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, a touring production coming December 8.

— John Wroblewski, online writer