One tree,

two tree,

green tree,

blue tree.

Reviving a 26-year tradition, elaborately decorated Christmas trees are back at the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, and this year’s whimsical wonderland won’t disappoint.

“Horton Hears A Holiday” is this year’s theme, in keeping with the Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel exhibit already on display.

Candice Pendergrass, the museum’s director of marketing and membership, said this year designers have aimed to “create a Dr. Seuss story” using ornaments and lighting on a “gorgeous array of festive trees.”

“We’ve integrated all of the different trees into the Dr. Seuss exhibit,” Pendergrass said. “The trees are decorated and lit -- it’s a really fun time and designed to get visitors into the spirit of the season.”

Pedergrass said this year’s Christmas tree display will be one of the museum’s first since undergoing renovation.

“Since the museum first opened we have been doing our themed Christmas tree event,” she said. “We’re back this year and hope for it to be one of the best.”

Pendergrass said about 10 trees, which will be up until Jan. 3, were decorated by local Valley artists.

“These talented artists have really captured the fun of Dr. Seuss -- [the trees] are beautiful.”

On the same floor, event-goers will find a rare collection of Dr. Seuss memorabilia.

Pendergrass said The Art of Dr. Seuss, which will be on display until Jan. 17, features early works of the artist including paintings and sculptures.

Also on display will be his “unorthodox” taxidermy work which includes three dimensional sculptures with names like the, “Two Horned Drouberhannis” and the “Mulberry Unicorn.”

A special display of “secret art” is also be featured.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

-- Horton Hears A

Holiday Christmas tree exhibit

Now through Jan 3

Admission prices:

$9 adults; $7 students (with valid id); $7 seniors (62+); $5 children (ages 3-12); children under age 3 admitted free

Hours:

Friday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission sold at 4:30 p.m.); Friday: Economic Stimulus  -- Free admission to the first 25 visitors; closed Monday-Thursday.

Closed New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

info: 441-1444

(Nov. 20, 2009)