Camp Christmas 2020 brings jobs and message of hope
If ever there is a time to go ‘all-out bling’ for the holidays, this might be the year. Colorado-based artist, Lonnie Hanzon knows a thing or two about what it takes to make that happen.
Building off the momentum of the Camp Christmas debut last year at the Hangar at Stanley Marketplace (remember?) Hanzon and his team had a big decision to make when the COVID-19 pandemic hit earlier this year.
“The 10,000 square foot walk-though installation light show was a part-museum, part-selfie palace, with two bars. And, 69,250 people showed up, went through it and had a good time,” recalls Hanzon, while discussing the moment he and his Denver Center for the Performing Arts Off-Center associates decided to ‘go-virtual’. It just wasn’t possible to plan to meet in-person this year. Especially for a crowd that size.
“We decided to completely pivot. I went back to the drawing board and I literally started drawing the Christmas of my dreams for people to all participate in from their cabins (homes). It’s from my cabin to your cabin. It’s a whole new world.”
Introducing Camp Christmas 2020
500 sketches, animated drawings, and craft tutorials come alive online and in our imaginations.
The secular digital experience allows participants to explore fictional lands such as Sweetsville, Fairy Forest, and Treehouse Village; all based on the long traditions of winter solstice celebrations.
“It’s the basic story; it's dark, and it's cold and we need to party. It’s the end of the harvest, when things are fermenting,” explains Hanzon while discussing the historic origins of celebrations during the ancient Roman festival, Saturnalia. “It all starts around the shortest day and the longest night and the hope for spring.”
Sounds a lot like emotions many might be feeling during this global pandemic.
Creating Jobs in Artist Community
Thanks to the internet, mail, and in-person deliveries, Camp Christmas is connecting homes across the country from Florida to Pennsylvania, and right here in Colorado. It is also bringing work to furloughed artists.
Hanzon explains more about this team from his studio virtual set, or ‘Christmas cabin’
“There are 17 people right now, trying to make all of the stuff as quickly as possible. They are boxing up craft supplies, designing the graphics of the virtual space, creating the digital games and even making home deliveries in the Denver area.”
Prior to the pandemic, Grady Soapes worked full-time as the DCPA Artistic Producer & Director of Casting. Today he’s furloughed but coordinating much of the magic behind-the-scenes. Recently, he delivered a Camp Christmas box to the Sheil family in Aurora.
“I just love how the boxes are being delivered by actors that are out of work due to the pandemic. I think it’s a great way to incorporate people in the arts community and still keep them working,” said Kate Sheil, mom to brothers 10-year-old Carson and 6-year-old Cameron. The family opened the box with many ‘ooos and ahhhs.’
Inside was an invitation to let their imaginations run wild. There’s a map of Camp Christmas which comes alive online - allowing endless interaction. Some of the camp bundles include items to enhance the experience with 'D.I.T.' (Do-It-Together) crafts and activities all guided by Hanzon.
Family Traditions of Being Together Continue
While the Sheil holiday celebrations in past years included almost-daily family gatherings and a big Christmas Eve party at their home, adapting this year might be easier than expected.
“It’s an opportunity to continue to spend time with family and truck-on forward and continue making memories together,” said dad, Chris Sheil. His sons Carson and Cameron were already jumping in. There are magical landscapes to explore and hot chocolate to be sipped. “Wow, this is great!” Carson, added.
For the creators of Camp Christmas, it’s a reminder that hope remains.
“Christmas hasn’t ever been canceled. It is the cosmic deadline of each year. It’s simple. It’s the shortest day and the longest night. We bring Evergreen into the home in hopes of spring," Hanzon said.
Quoting the lyrics of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Hanzon said that someday soon we all will be together.
Until then, many will be virtually meeting at Camp Christmas.
Camp Christmas packages start at $12. The adventures launch Dec. 1 with daily dispatches through the 24th.
Camp stays ‘open’ through the twelfth night of Christmas, Jan. 5, 2021.