(CARTERET, NJ) -- Central Jersey Arts Council will feature a Winter Exhibit of more than 240 unique and individually hand-painted Nutcrackers. The Winter Exhibit will be up from Thanksgiving weekend through December. 

Sandie Barth, a borough resident for more than 30 years, fell in love with Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas ballet at the age of 18. She soon started collecting nutcrackers inspired by the holiday favorite, finding each piece intriguing and bringing a sense of the inspiring season.

As years went by, her collection grew culled from travels throughout the U.S., as well as Germany and Dubai. With each journey, Barth would bring a new nutcracker home to add to her collection. 

“Friends and family started to take notice, and in their travels, would pick up a piece to gift to me,” she explained. “They would say when they would spot a nutcracker, it would make them think of me. Such a sweet and loving gesture.” 

Mayor Daniel J. Reiman suggested the exhibit is “a wonderful way to soak up the season.” 

The Nutcracker’s unique beauty brings a sense of joy and holiday spirit, he said. 

“Central Jersey Arts Council is excited to be able to share Sandie Barth’s love of the Nutcrackers and share this feature display with the community,” the Mayor said. 

The Winter Exhibit will be up from Thanksgiving weekend through December. Hours will be 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Wednesdays, 10:00am to 4:00pm Fridays, and 10:00am to 1:00pm. Sundays. An open house at 7:00pm on December 16 will provide visitors not only with a look at the display but also a night of holiday cheer. The evening also will include details about what else Central Jersey Arts Council and its Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center have to offer, such as Carteret Community Theater, Carteret Community Chorus, and art and historical committees.

  PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTRAL JERSEY ARTS COUNCIL