Artist Ellen Beller’s Cherry Creek North townhome practically vibrates with color, from bright lampshades to the sculpted carpet and her vast collection of Louis Recchia assemblages. Naturally, the menorahs she collects are eye-catching.
Q: A Statue of Liberty menorah! Where did you find that?
A: Isn’t it great? Everyone comments on it. I found it at the Skirball Cultural Center in L.A.
Q: What were you doing there?
A: I like to look at old Judaica when I travel. This was on the bottom shelf, and it spoke to me. You know how things speak to you?
Q: Yes, especially when they’re too expensive.
A: Right. This is very American Jewish.
Q: What about the Noah’s Ark menorah? Where did you find that?
A: It’s so whimsical! My theory is that if I can’t make it personally, then I’ll buy it. I found that at the Jewish Museum in New York City.
Q: Did your family have unconventional menorahs when you were a girl growing up in New Jersey?
A: I grew up with menorahs that were plain and straight across. There rarely was more than one menorah per family.
Q: What about that diamond-shaped menorah?
A: That’s actually Plexiglas, and it reminds me of the Israeli artist Yaacov Agam. He made the coffee table in my living room, and the table upstairs. I think my designer found it at the Denver Design Center.
Q: It’s all angles, very modern. Not your grandmother’s menorah.
A: Making unusual menorahs is something new. Now, it’s an art form.
Q: I wish they’d make a Brady Bunch menorah, with Alice as the shamas.
A: I grew up with “The Brady Bunch”! I was kidding my nephew that maybe they’ll make a Yankee menorah — all the players from the Revolutionary War, you know?
Q: A Yankee menorah?
A: It could happen. I used to see everything, back when I had a menorah party every year. I’d light every one of mine, and people would bring the menorahs over, and talk about their stories.
