Last year, I wrote a blog post about Monterey’s iconic Christmas Angels that were originally commissioned in 1956 by the City of Monterey to brighten up the downtown area during the festive season. The artist was Erica Franke (Haba). At that time I reported that in 1971 the original 6-foot painted wooden angels were in such disrepair that they were disposed of, and the City commissioned the original artist to create 40 new angels. Showing their age ten years later, they were lovingly restored in 1981. Now, the angels are once again in need of restoration.

Monterey’s Cultural Arts Commission came to the rescue by mobilizing 25 local artists to each create an angel of the same size and proportion as the original angels, and painted in the unique style of each individual artist. The plan was to auction the newly created angels in the Library (after hours) and use the proceeds to restore the Erica Franke Haba angels.

The result was spectacular! Last Thursday the Library was adorned with a host of angels that varied widely in color, mood, ornament, and style. The imagination and artistic skill that went into these creations was testament to the tremendous talent of our local artists! One shone with gold leaf, another wore a woodcut gown; one was transformed into a dolphin; another a fisherman wearing a yellow slicker. They were, in a word, heavenly.

And, in case you’re wondering how the fundraiser worked out, the Commission raised over $10,000 for restoration work on the original angels, with money leftover for their granting fund which benefits local cultural non-profits. The results are testament to both the generosity of those who attended the auction and the popularity of the Monterey Angels.

Congratulations to the good work of Monterey’s Cultural Arts Commission and our local artists for helping to preserve Monterey’s traditions and enriching our lives with beauty.