2026 FEATURED ARTIST
Scott Hildebrandt
Congratulations to 2026 featured artist Scott Hildebrandt, Littleton, Colorado.
Scott, affectionately nicknamed "Mister Christmas," creates three-dimensional work reimagining life creating miniature scenes in repurposed vintage items he calls vessels. “When I build something inside of that old vessel it’s like creating a memory inside a memory.” His art is often based on his memories, dreams and imagination, converted into miniature scenes housed in unique and nostalgic items. His nostalgic work is a great representation of Brookside as we celebrate our 40th anniversary and go “Back to the 80’s!”
Scott’s skill and imagination were fostered in childhood. “My love of miniatures goes back to my childhood when I spent hours with my grandfather, who was a model train enthusiast. I have combined my passion for miniatures with my love for holidays, the outdoors and all things repurposed. Each scene is a one-of-a-kind view of everyday life, whether it is a snapshot of nature or a glimpse of a bustling city. You might notice that I don’t include people in my art. I want to evoke your mind to imagine that you are there in the diorama.”
Scott describes being featured in the Brookside Art Annual as truly special for him, his first show of the year, and an opportunity to unveil new work. Click below to learn more.
Visit Scott at Booth #155 near the center of the east side of the show. His work is also featured on the 2026 commemorative posters, shirts and cards which are available to purchase at the Merchandise Booth near 63rd and Brookside Blvd. Meanwhile, explore his work online at CleverMisterChristmas.com. For pre-show inquiries, please contact Scott at ScottHildebrandtArt@gmail.com.
Scott celebrates a 5th anniversary at Brookside. Scott is officially a five-timer this year and looks forward to being back at Brookside. “I first applied to Brookside after connecting with local artists Seth Smith at other shows. Seth and I have become good friends, and he shared his love for Brookside and suggested I apply. I had also heard from others about how strong the show is and the hospitality and saw that it ranked nationally. Now I’m celebrating my 5th anniversary. I’ve been an award winner or selected every year since 2022! It’s nice to be in the five-timers club.”
Brookside is a favorite show – like coming home. Brookside quickly became one of Scott’s favorite art shows. “I fell in love with Brookside, the people, the neighbors and the show. The show’s not mechanical. It’s very personal. It’s a strong show - one of my top shows for sure. There’s something special about the show and the neighborhood. There were neighbors walking their dogs, friendly business owners and people that love the show so much they come out whether it’s hot, cold or raining. I’ve made a lot of friends, many who have now become collectors. It’s like Mayberry but even better. Having been in the show for a few years, I’ve even become friends with the staff, people in the restaurants and business owners too.”
His first year in the show, he won an award allowing him to return the next year, but he didn’t return because he won. “I came back because it was one of my top shows. After five years it’s like coming home for me. If I had a second home, it would be Kansas City. I love Brookside and the neighborhood – it’s just too cute. The show’s been great for me and I love the people. There are so many good things to say about Brookside. One of the top things I appreciate is that Brookside is like coming home. It’s a festival of families.”
Premiering new work in Brookside. The show also allows Scott to show off his latest works. “I really get to put my best forward in Brookside. I have pieces I’ve worked on all winter and I’m excited to share.” His work evokes nostalgia for many, and people love sharing their memories and stories about similar pieces. “There is a comradery in Brookside any many show patrons brainstorm with me. They share stories about items they’ve owned or remember and the memories that go with them. It inspires some of my next pieces or leads to commissions. It’s something I value and it’s a great way to start the year in a such friendly environment.”
Preserving memories and bringing new life to vintage items. Scott preserves vintage items or “old vessels,” giving them new life and memories. “When I build something inside of that old vessel it’s like creating a memory inside a memory. Patrons see the work on different levels and it’s fun to experience that sense of wonder. They see the scene and all the details and then vintage vessel bringing out wonder and memories.”
People get so excited about the experience that motivates some to commission the transformation of their own items, or to donate items to bring them new life. “Another great thing that happens is people bringing me donations. 50% of the vessels I repurpose are donated. It’s super helpful and fun. I also do commissions from other people’s items. They repurpose family heirlooms like their grandfather’s two-one radio from the 50s. I can further connect with them through memories and capturing them in the piece. I give their vintage items a second life, becoming something different and keeping them out of the landfill.
A setting that creates mysteriousness, curiosity and a special experience. Scott also loves his location. Most featured artists are located at the beginning of the show, but Scott values another location that allows him to create a special experience. “Located in a double wide booth along the tennis courts, I’m able to close my tent to block the light so the pieces stand out. It also creates a mysteriousness, curiosity and a special experience as they approach and enter. As their eyes adjust inside, the mystery is revealed. My scenes are nighttime – it’s more peaceful. I enhanced my scenes with kinetic value and lighting. I use movement, light and a lot of little things to convey the stories. Dreams, movies, pure imagination, vacations - I’m trying to capture a snapshot in time, whether camping, or that old pizza joint. The dark setting in Brookside enhances it all and it’s been a good way to connect with people. It’s fun to connect and I love hearing their comments and seeing how they react. That’s validation. It gives you inspiration and drive. By the end of the day Saturday, my voice is gone. I take it as a compliment that there are enough people interested in my art that I get to talk about it all weekend.”
Scott helps you imagine yourself in his scenes. “I never put people in my stuff. I want you to envision yourself inside the diorama instead. Any good diorama pulls you in and you try to see all the details, shrinking you back to a time and place as kid where you felt safe in those spaces. As a kid I wanted things to come to life. That became part of the core function of my work. It’s how I now express myself through vivid scenes. I’m creating those safe spaces that draw people in. The details like the campfire and the deer walking through the site bring back memories and feelings.”
His unique art has connected him with famous fans. In 2023 director and filmmaker, David Ma found Scott on Instagram and reached out about collaborative content. Shortly after he talked Scott into TikTok. “Overnight I had 80,000 followers. Last year he called and said he was working on the new release for Netflix’s Frankenstein.” He asked Scott to make pieces that were presented to Director Guillermo del Toro and lead actors Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi on the red carpet. Scott and David collaborated on three pieces – a clock with Frankenstein getting off the boat in winter and two other scenes the iconic lightning rods. David flew out to Colorado to meet Scott and film the pieces before flying them to LA. Guillermo del Toro was enthralled by the work. “Masterpiece man. This goes on my desk. I guarantee you.”
Scott’s second opportunity was with HBO Max. They commissioned a piece for Welcome to Derry, a prequal to Stephen King’s IT and IT Chapter Two. “It’s something I never in a million years would have dreamed. It’s cool to be part of something bigger.”
Another incredible experiences – Meow Wolf features Scott’s largest collection. “In 2017, I was hooked up with Meow Wolf.” Meow Wolf Denver is a 90,000 square foot, five story tall, Meow Wolf immersive, interactive, collaborative art installations designed to transport visitors into fantastical, dreamlike worlds. “My installation has over 250 dioramas that interact with you as you walk through. The experience starts with a thunderstorms, transitioning to sun rises, mountains, a volcano that erupts, and the whole thing ends under sea. You see and hear the transition and are emersed in the experience.” It was no small commitment, taking Scott a year and half to complete. Learn more about the work and Scott’s experience in the PBS feature HERE.
It all started with a gift. “I’ve been this art form for 15 years. I was trying to make a unique Christmas gift for someone. I built a scene under a cake platter and they loved it. Afterward I had to make one for my mom and other family members. For the first 3 years I focused on Christmas building scenes under glass and that’s how I got the nickname Mister Christmas.”
Scott’s work expanded after he bought a tube radio at a garage sale and they donated a second radio for parts. He realized he could build scenes using the radio as a vessel. “As a kid I built train sets. I realized I could do some of the same things I’d done building trains, creating scenes in new vessels. My work exploded. It gave me an opportunity as an artist to evolve. Dioramas had been around for centuries, but I’ve perfected a new shoebox and way of telling that story.”
Scott’s work continues to evolve. “I’m always evolving and part of what I love about what I do is the tech. I’m learning code to program parts for my pieces. It allows me to put together a puzzle that wasn’t meant to be put together that way. I’m always trying to get more lighting effects and create a mood. I’m working on a piece that starts in the middle of the day and then fades to a sunset with all the colors and then the stars and moon fade in before the campfire is lit and the lights in the camper come on. The coding allows me to incorporate those elements. It’s also allowed me to talk to STEM schools about using art and technology together. There are kids that are using it in their classes. It’s opened a whole new world and allows me to give my scenes life and character.”
Visit Scott at Booth #155 near the center of the east side of the show. His work is also featured on the 2026 commemorative posters, shirts and cards which are available to purchase at the Merchandise Booth near 63rd and Brookside Blvd. Meanwhile, explore his work online at CleverMisterChristmas.com. For pre-show inquiries, please contact Scott at ScottHildebrandtArt@gmail.com.
