Greenwell’s ‘Mouse House’ holiday village on display

The magic, memories and gifted artistry of Martha Lowrey Greenwell’s “Mouse House” Christmas Village wonderland returns to Isaacs Art Center this season.

The Christmas village, known as “The Mouse House” and a Christmas tree decorated with Greenwell’s handmade Emgee ornaments will be on display at Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Isaacs Art Center through Jan. 10. The exhibit also includes selected photographs and brochures of Greenwell’s Emgee business that for decades produced beautifully crafted, clever and cheerful ornaments still adorning homes today. Greenwell’s sense of organization and creative vision are evident in each unique artwork.

“This is a perfect time to remember Martha Greenwell’s remarkable life and friendship and celebrate the many talents of this beloved island painter who shared her art with such generosity and humility,” said Mollie Hustace, director of the Isaacs Art Center.

Keiki and the young-at heart will enjoy the hand-made mice in their miniature shops and homes Greenwell fully decorated with tiny ornaments, wreaths, candies and her paintings.

The Christmas village made its first Hawaii Island appearance in December 2005 at the Kona Historical Society when the village returned to Greenwell from Oahu after more than 20 years of being part of an annual holiday tradition at the Queen’s Hospital Auxiliary’s Festival of Trees.

All of the artifacts featured in the display are from the attic and tool shed of Greenwell’s in-laws, Frank and Violet Greenwell of Palani Ranch. It took Greenwell eight years to assemble the village.

The Isaacs Art Center at Hawaii Preparatory Academy is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is free. The center will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. For information or to arrange group visits, call 885-5884.