Christmas trees are the common denominator in the Taube Museum of Art's 2011 Holiday Tour of Homes.
From Dani Solsvig's small version perched on the washer and dryer in her FEMA trailer to the 12-footers in the houses of Brent and Marsha Mugaas and Ryan and Kristen Boen.
Scott and Darci Grosche have six decorated trees in their home and First Presbyterian and St. Mark's Lutheran churches, both new to the tour, have a multitude of trees.
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Cleo Cantlon/MDN - - Dani and Andy Solsvig’s Christmas spirit is on full display in the Christmas tree displayed in their tiny FEMA trailer.
Elly and Brock DesLauriers' flood-recovered home centers its holiday view on the tree, too, with special ornaments recalling days past.
The Taube Museum of Art, organizer and beneficiary of the annual tour, has not only overcome the challenges of the Souris River flood in planning the event Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. It is also incorporating flood recovery into its theme, Taube executive directory Nancy Walter said. "Flooded with Magic" is the 2011 theme.
The Presbyterian Church, sharing space with Lincoln Elementary School, was a bit short of room, so a portable classroom in the parking lot, home to Lincoln's fourth grade, will be open for viewing, along with the church decorations and the halls serving the other classrooms.
Fact Box
Stops on the Tour
+ Kristen and Ryan Boen, 1530 Cook Drive
+ Scott & Darci Grosche, 916 - 54th St. SE
+ Marsha & Brent Mugaas, 1127 Valley View Drive
+ Elly & Brock DesLauriers, 1700 - 5th Ave. SW
+ Andy & Dani Solsvig, 590 - 8th St. NW
+ First Presbyterian Church/Lincoln School, 1000 - 3rd St. NE
+ St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 2209 - 4th Ave. NW
+ Taube Museum of Art, 2 N. Main St.
St. Mark's church is showing off 20 nativity scenes, displayed by church members, including two hand-carved ones. They also have decorated two large trees in the sanctuary 200 with Chrismons, hand-stitched Christian symbols.
St. Mark's itself, established in 1951 with additions in 1970 and 2008, boasts two large trees in the sanctuary, which also has carved relief replicas of the apostles, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Among the more traditional homes on display are the "urban bungalow" Kristen Bloen designed for her husband, Ryan, and three children at 1530 Cook Drive, a loop off 14th Ave. NW. The exterior, a craftsman-style design with an expansive view of the city, is surrounded by four traditionally-lighted trees, but the interior is sparklingly modern, with white, silver and metallic green decorations. Its lower level contains children's bedrooms, a theater and bar.
Marsha Mugaas one-story ranch-style home also centers around trees showing off her large collection of ornaments. The major tree in the living room has pale hydrangeas and poinsettias twined with green ribbon but other trees shine with gem tones and multi-color.
Scott and Darci Grosche said the home they bought in April has much more space than their previous dwelling, a welcome addition after a summer of flood-displaced guests. Now two hockey players have joined their family, so the split-level boasts many trees.
Solsvig is determined to make her small trailer a welcome spot for the holidays, with outdoor decorations adding to the welcome.
The young DesLauriers family were determined to get back into their home, which sustained eight feet of water in the flood. They consider their return a miracle, made possible with the help of relatives, friends and co-workers.
Elly DesLauriers said the tree, center of their holiday, holds many ornaments given to them by her mother and others. A special decoration is a willow tree nativity she received from a friend.
The Taube museum is a stop viewers will not want to miss. One attraction is listening to Minoter Leonard Haabak performing from 1 to 3 p.m. and seeing the work of jewelry designers Michelle and Danielle Feist of Velva. The owners of Bead Unique will create and sell their designs.
Two other artists working at the Taube during the tour, Minoters Joyce Hendrickson and Vern Skaug, will each create an original iece to be awarded as door prizes for those who register at the museum during the tour.
Coffee, cider and desserts also will be given there.
Walter noted two gift certificates, courtesy of I. Keating Furniture, will be awarded.
Tickets for the tour are $15 at the door or $10 for members and $15 for others, if purchased in advance at the museum, Interiors Plus, Artmain, Artistry or the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other sponsors include International Inn, Herberger's, Town and Country Nursery and Ameripride.