A Whimsical Holiday Adventure: Our Caterpillar's Christmas Quest!

Red Bank was ringing with holiday cheer during the 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt back in 2014, and I had the awesome chance to be part of it! As a staff member at Two River Theater, I got to design our window display, which featured "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" with an adorable caterpillar twist.

Embracing Eric Carle's Artistic Style

Taking inspiration from the colorful universe of Eric Carle, renowned for his whimsical illustrations, I set out to create a display that would not only fit the 12 Days of Christmas theme, but also help spread the word about Two River Theater’s holiday performances of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites.

The Design Process

To bring this vision to life, I painted tissue paper in a playful, abstract way, layering vibrant colors. This painted paper was used to make the sun catcher-style display, letting light dance through and casting colorful reflections that echoed Carle's artistic charm.

At the heart of the display was the pear tree, designed to mimic the whimsical fruit found in Carle's enchanting tales. Nestled among the branches was a cheeky little pear, proudly hosting a tiny, hungry caterpillar. This playful addition not only paid homage to the holiday show but also cranked up the charm and curiosity.

To tie it all together, I adorned the base of the windows with circles painted in the same vibrant style that Carle uses for pebbles in his beloved books, completing the delightful scene. 

For more window decorations and displays at Two River Theater and at home, take a look at these previous posts.