One Winter Haven downtown business has created what is certain to be a “must-see” Christmas destination. Potthast Studios and photographer Michael Potthast have used the occasion to combine his talent and the true spirit of Christmas by creating a panoramic Nativity scene across the three sections of display windows on his downtown store front.
The concept involved elaborate staging and live animals brought to the studio for the shoot. It took approximately two months to create, print, mount and arrange the tableau that faces Central Avenue.
The animals used in the shoot involved a Brahman bull (pictured left), Jenny and Jenny foal (female donkeys) and a llama. Potthast explains there were no llamas present at the Nativity, and the llama’s sihlouette was used in the tableau to resemble a camel (not readily available in Central Florida).
One interesting aspect of the display is all photographs of participants (except the animals) were printed life size. The display is already causing traffic slowdowns on Central Avenue and a bit of “horn-blowing.” We predict you’ll read much more about this unique Nativity re-enactment.
Add this to your list of destinations during the many holiday activities taking place downtown throughout the Christmas season. Congratulations to Potthast Studios for an extraordinary creative concept.
Credits:
Wisemen: Father Peter Puntal; Father Fracilus Petit-Homme; Father Charles Viviano
Holy Family: Mary: Janina Freeland; Joseph: Brian Freeland Baby Jesus: Kendall Freeland (left)
Angel: Meredith Mancini (below)
Shephards: George Gasperson; Dr. Josef Kleine
Animal Owner: Alan Ulch
Special Consideration: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; St. Mathews Catholic Church
Crew: Photographer, Michael Potthast
Portrait Stylist and Designer: Lisa Anne Kleine
Robin Ireland, Amy Potthast, Shannon Lopez, Bill Potthast, William Woody, Lynda Whitney
Great job Mike. Awesome display.
WOW, what an incredible display that I am sure will be a huge draw to the downtown. This is truely BIG CITY stuff!
I drove by the studio and noticed what a beautiful display. I will take friends and family on a walking tour of Mike’s remarkable work. This is truly what the Christmas season is about. Thanks Mike for helping us to remember the Christmas is about our Savior’s birth.
Indeed! Kudos! I so admire your great work and creativity, Mike! Yes, yes, yes forget about the hustle and the bustle, it reminds us of the Spirit of the Season. Being with loved ones and spending time together celebrating this and other holiday displays, will forever leave us with fond memories.
Mike,
Your and your associates have out done yourselves! Images are incredible!!! Set design beautiful, love the blue light background with stars!!! You have inspired me.. Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to All !!! … Regards >> Rick
I’m proud of you Mike for keeping Christ in Christmas. Wouldn’t you just love it if all store fronts on main street hired you for one continuous theme up one side and down the other. Talk about drawing folks from all over ??? Winter Haven would probably make the evening news. Bob,How about this for a Chamber project?
Mike, I drove by your store front late this afternoon and was astounded by the professional and spiritual display you have created. I have always known you were talented, but this is truly over the top! Thank you for taking the time and energy to remind us of the real story of Christmas.
Mike,
You have created a great inspiration for the season. You creativity is incredible. Merry Christmas to you and your Family.
Fantastic, Mike:
This is an unbelievable site. Thank you Mike for stepping out and putting this up. It is truely a blessing to see the real reason for the season displayed so beautifully and in such a a busy place for all to see. God bless you and your family.
The essence of the Christmas spirit will penetrate the hearts and minds of individuals who visit downtown Winter Haven this holiday season. This is a truly remarkable “window” presentation.
Mike,
This is absolutely beautiful! It reminds me of some of my favorite childhood memories when I lived in New York City,many of the windows there come alive during the holidays and I will never forget those memories. This is exactly what Winter Haven needs down town, now I can give my kids a taste of those same memories I had when I take them to see your display. I think it would be a great idea if other businesses would either join in on decorating their windows or have you decorate theirs for them for the holiday and turn down town into a beautiful holiday wonderland….
Mike & Amy,
Your display is absolutely beautiful. This is truly what the Christmas season is all about.
Love it!
WOW! What a beautiful display!
Ron and I went to see your realistic portrayl of the Nativity. Truly powerful! With your life size photos, it was like we were there. I pray that this will be a reminder to everyone that Jesus is a gift from God and because of Him we may have peace and everlasting life! Thanks for keeping Christ in Christmas.
Happy Birthday Jesus.
Thank you Potthast Studios for sharing your amazing talent with our community. Beautiful!!
Awesome Michael!!
This is such a creative idea and executed perfectly. Thanks for the effort!
Saw this on Bay News 9 and can’t wait to bring my family to visit Winter Haven and see the display firsthand. What a blessing.
Mike,
Thank you for a wonderful Christmas window display. Not only are you a top photographer, but you have done a great deal for Downtown Winter Haven”s Christmas spirit.
Mike,
You did an awesome job on your window display, portraying the real meaning of Christmas! We are so proud to have it in downtown Winter Haven. Thank you for the creativity, hard work and time you put in to it. We appreciate you! Merry Christmas!
I was just downtown aat Spectrum and noticed your window for the first time yesterday. Almost the New Year! And was greatly moved. I am so glad there are people left in the world who are not ahsamed to let the world know that they believe in Our Lord!