Artist

Handcrafted by local artisan
Loretta Miller

Our life-sized Santas were handcrafted by local artisan Loretta Miller. Her amazing ability to capture captivating facial expressions, paired with beautiful costumes from the Santas native origins, makes the exhibit one to enjoy.

Miller’s efforts to create a multi-cultural Santa display began when the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau contacted Miller to sculpt the first Santa in 1999. Following that inaugural success, she constructed several more pieces each year, until there were 24 Santas. Miller had not created a life-sized Santa for about 15 years, until fall 2022 when she created Mrs. Claus, using the outfit of Sandy Smith, who devoted many years to her role as Mrs. Claus. There are now 25 Santas, comprising 23 exhibits in the collection.

A Special Gift

“The Santas are exquisite pieces, created by Loretta Miller, an exceptionally gifted artist. These Santas represent cultures from around the world, and embrace the unique rich traditions in which others celebrate Christmas and share treasured moments with family and friends.

We hope you will enjoy these wonderful pieces of art, and we invite you to include the Santas as part of the holiday tradition for your family, and share for just a moment the spirit of peace and hope they hold.”

Tammy Hammond
Executive Director, Rosewood Services