DENVER- Scott Hildebrandt is a full-time artist, known for creating miniature worlds in repurposed items such as clocks, radios, cameras, and TVs.
His nickname, Mr. Christmas, comes from his early work, which featured snowy winter scenes. He got his start at holiday craft fairs where he quickly gained a following.
His art has evolved over the years, but his presence at craft fairs and markets remained, turning into a year-round profession. All of that changed in 2020.
“My first art show of the year is usually Scottsdale Arts Festival in Arizona, that’s always the first weekend in March,” says Hildebrandt. “I was able to get all my stuff packed up as normal, and we were receiving updates and emails from the show saying the show was ready to go.”
Colorado Voices
Catch-Up with Mister Christmas
2:00
Published:
We catch-up with Mr. Christmas, an artist who creates miniature world in antique items.
Hildebrandt and his girlfriend packed their car and drove over 13 hours from Denver to Scottsdale.
“The day before the show as all of us artists were completely set up, they cancelled the show.” Hildebrandt can’t help but laugh. “It was devastating. It just became a reality to me at that very moment.”
Scottsdale Arts Festival
They quickly packed up and began the long drive home. On that drive, Hildebrandt came up with a plan.
“As soon as I got home I made a list of everything that I made for the Scottsdale Arts Festival and immediately posted it to my Instagram account,” Says Hildebrandt, “and within 24 hours I sold everything that I had made for the arts festival and more.” That kind of woke us up to the fact that we are pivoting to an online year.”
Art for sale @misterchristmas
The pivot has shifted Hildebrandt’s focus to smaller pieces, which can be shipped more easily. He has used social media to create a buzz around his work and keep fans excited when we debuts new miniatures.
He’s also been kept busy with his biggest project yet as a collaborating artist with Meow Wolf Denver. He’s been working on the project for the majority of 2020 and predicts he still has a few more months to go.
“It’s very exciting, I’ve been working with them for several years now,” says Hildebrandt, “it’s been a fun secret to have.”
He’s incredibly tight-lipped about any details, including the size and theme of his piece of the Meow Wolf puzzle, but he does want people to know that “Denver Meow Wolf, it’s gonna blow your mind.” The art experience is set to open in late 2021.
