About Lynn Haney

A number of years ago, Lynn spotted an antique German papier mache' candy container at an antique show. This Santa offered a source of inspiration in spite of being in poor condition and demanding a healthy price. Passing up the purchase of the piece became the focus of creating "something of his own" that still had the same charm and interest of the antique find.

The first Santa Lynn made was actually a soft-sculpture stitched and fabricated by hand in a long, bell-trimmed hat. With the encouragement of his wife, Lynn soon started another and others began to follow, with clay heads and more trim and accessories. And in 1987, the Lynn Haney Collection officially began.

Working by himself the first year, Lynn recognized that he had more ideas than he had time. Having been a Junior High Art teacher, he could teach others to sew the costumes, paint the faces and craft the pieces that awaited his finishing touches. Supervising the hard work of others gave him the time necessary to develop new designs.

As we have grown, we have moved four times to larger studio spaces, and we have added many artist-craftsmen to our extended studio family. At this time the production in our studio is carried out by more than 30 people on a year-round basis.

Lynn graduated from Texas Tech in 1972 with a Bachelor's degree in Art Education and again in 1976 with a Masters degree in Art Education.