NORWICH – Local residents who traveled south to Johnson City and the Oakdale Mall this holiday season may have noticed a unique and realistic display of life-sized Santa Claus statues occupying the space in front of the Bon-Ton department store.

Created by Norwich resident and professional sculptor Linda Kays-Biviano, with the help of artist Margaret Kriener, the life-like creations, six in all, represent various international incarnations of Christmas’ most beloved symbol.

Included in the display – which will run through January 1 – are Traditional Santa, Saint Nicholas, Civil War Santa, Russian Santa, Victorian Santa and Kris Kringle.

“I was always into crafts and I wanted to create my own work,” said Kays-Biviano, who began experimenting with the art form when she moved to Norwich in 1990. “That’s what got me into sculpting.”