May Myer created her whimsical “Mele Kalikimaka” for Christmas Card Lane. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – As an artist for 2016 Christmas Card Lane, May Myer has had fun with creative expression and is gratified that many people will see her art.

Her whimsical card, “Mele Kalikimaka,” “is meant to evoke the appearance of a vintage tropical postcard with its bold shapes and highly chromatic coloring,” Myer said. “It’s the kind of postcard that people would send to their friends back in colder climates and scrawl on the back, ‘Wish you were here!'”

The design’s contemporary component is “nail art, which is popular today. Each nail on the giant feet sports a different holiday design,” Myer said.

For the ‘card,’ Myer used both Grumbacher and Liquitex acrylic artist’s paints. “Choosing to use better quality paint assures smooth application and light fastness, once it’s exposed to outdoor light,” she said.

To protect the card, she applied four coats of Minwax Pro Series Spar Urethane.

Primarily self-taught, Myer did attend two classes at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and a class at Delaware College of Art and Design for book illustration.

From sketching the design to submission at completion, the process required three weeks, but Myer didn’t mind the effort. “First and foremost, I greatly enjoy creating art. That I can work with Madison Arts Council by contributing my talents towards making Christmas Card Lane a success is a bonus,” she said.

Myer is retired from a career in commercial insurance. “Now, I have the time to pursue art full time,” she said.

Her daughter Michelle and husband Matt of Madison have three sons. Taylor is a freshman at Troy University. Twins Aubrey and Patrick are freshmen at James Clemens High School. “Aubrey and Patrick are in the Jets Marching Band and will be marching in the Madison Christmas Parade,” Myer said.

Christmas Card Lane will be on display from Dec. 3 through Dec. 30 and illuminated nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. “This exhibit is set up as both a walking and driving tour,” founder Shrail Heinrich said.

“During the day, visitors can walk the sidewalks to see details up close. At night, turn up the holiday tunes and drive the tour,” Heinrich said.

For more information about Myer’s art, email to maytmyer@yahoo.com.