Encore Holiday Special: The Santa Clones Are Coming to Town
"Yes, Portland, there is a Santa Claus."
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Today’s Encore Holiday Special (first published December 5, 2022) spotlights “perpetual creative” Chris Willis and his 400-plus collection of vintage blow mold Santas. Each December since 2011 (with a gap year or two due to the pandemic), he creates an installation of hundreds of 13-inch plastic Santas (known as the Santa Clones) in a secret location in Portland, Oregon, whose address can be revealed through scavenger hunt-like clues he shares on social media.
The 2023 Santa Clones made their debut earlier this week and Willis shared some “easy for some, not as easy for others” clues that will lead to the location of this year’s installation. And he was kind enough to send over some exclusive photos of the 2023 Santa Clones to share with LAST CALL readers.
“I’ve always wanted to put the Santas in an actual gallery setting, allowing folks the chance to get up close and personal, maybe mingle amongst them,” says Willis. “While there are logistical challenges involved in making that a reality, this [year’s] space has afforded me the opportunity to explore how an experience might come to life in the future.”
This year’s exhibit also features two paintings Willis commissioned from local artist Terence Healy that were featured at the very first Santa Clones display.. Both paintings are of the same blow mold Santa with one in its non-illuminated resting state and the other fully illuminated. “Essentially the two sides of each Santa. They’re either on or off, and each comes with its own personality,” says Willis. “I loved how they turned out and thought I’d bring them back for this exhibit, this time larger than life, for everyone to enjoy.”
And remember, mum’s the word… To ensure the mystery stays alive for everyone, please avoid specific location tags or any mention in your comments or posts of where they are.
If you’re in Portland, Oregon, and would like to view this year’s Santa Clones installation, check the clues posted on Chris Willis’ Instagram page to discover the exact location. The display is illuminated daily December 4 through January 1 from 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Good luck, and Happy Holidays!