The Ottawa Freedom Association has put out just one of the Christ story paintings in Washington Square this year. Jim Keely, one of the association’s founders, says it’s the first one—the manger scene with Mary and Joseph. It relates directly to the Christmas season.
The other 15 showing scenes from later in Christ’s life are staying in storage this season. Keely explained on WCMY’s Morning Meeting program Thursday, the association wanted to protect the many volunteers who ordinarily put up the paintings from COVID-19. So, just four people set up the one painting.
“Jesus is Born in a Manger” by Harold C. Riner
The first Harold Riner painting in the series showing the life of Christ is alone in Washington park this Christmas season.
The sign for the painting