On our cover, Mary gazes lovingly at her newborn son while Joseph looks on protectively. Tiny angels admire the Child, as do the nearby animals Human fulfillment and tranquillity seemingly express Divine purposes.
Captured in time through the heart and artistry of an 18th century craftsman, this Neapolitan Holy Family serenely views the world, unchanged since its creation centuries ago. Now owned by Alfred J. Walker, a Boston, Massachusetts, fine arts dealer, the exquisite figures have resisted the ravages of time, completely unrestored, and still wearing their original clothing.
From earliest Christian times, the events of the Nativity fueled the imagination of artists. Depictions of the Nativity scene can be found in a catacomb dating from the third century.
Probably, most associate St. Francis of Assisi with the creche, and indeed, his love of the Infant Jesus helped popularize that devotion . But perhaps, even more than the charismatic Francis, St. Cajetan, founder of the Theatine Order, should receive credit for widely spreading display of the creche. (See Matthew Powell's article on page 6).
The Italian love for the dramatic episodes of the Nativity-the refusal of hospitality at the inn, the angelic greetings to the shepherds, and the arrival of the mysterious and exotic personages from the East-fueled interest in the theatrical possibilities of a three-dimensional rendering. A Neapolitan, Constanza Piccolomini de Aragona, Duchess of Amalfi, is said to have been the first to erect a Nativity display in her home, probably before 1567; her presentation included about 167 figures.
Creations of these early Nativity presentations were onepiece sculptures, sometimes of carved wood, sometimes of modeled terra cotta, a kind of clay. It was not long, however, before the life-loving Neapolitans were looking for new and improved figures-models that expressed the joy of life so integral to their own existence Those static figures had to change. And change they did By the l 7tli century, artisans practiced new techniques that lent startling realism to their creations. Where previously they had modeled one-piece wooden and terra cotta figures, now they made mannequins that could be posed according to the whim of the owner or designer.
These new figures were complex constructions . Heads, hands, and other exposed body parts were realistically modeled in wood or terracotta, and painted, sometimes by the most famous artists of the day. Limbs hidden by clothing, in contrast, were actually armatures wrapped in hemp.
The Walker figures on our cover, fashioned at the height of the creche:S popularity in Italy, are thus constructed. Their beautifully rendered features are of finely detailed
and painted wood and terra cotta; their hidden parts are covered armatures which permit modification of their poses. Walker is a collector of creches, but the Neapolitan set, with over 35 human and animal figures, is his most important.
Neapolitans not only created some of the most exquisite creches of any period, their mania for doing so also contributed to the new perception of the Nativity scene. Previously, representations of the Holy Family were perceived primarily as religious symbols, but the Neapolitans' delight in the festive aspects of the presepio did much to make the creche what it is today-a religious symbol, yes, but also a joyous holiday expression.
Cover photo by Cline Russ. Printed with permission of Alfred J. Walker.
Dear Friends,
Your compliments on our new Creche Herald look have been very rewarding. Many of you wrote or e-mailed to tell us how much the new format meant to you . Those wonderful comments completely changed what we had envisioned for the newsletter.
Initially, we had planned only the Winter 1999/2000 Millennium issue in color, returning to plain black and white in the Spring. But your praise was so vocal and your wishes for more of the same so genuine, we felt we could not disappoint you. We decided to continue with the approach we had initiated-kind of a variation on the old song lyrics, "it's hard to go back to black and white once you've had color."
The new look, as you can imagine, has come with new costs. With the color cover, printing expenses have more than doubled; the mailing envelope to protect the newsletter has added to costs, and finally, postage rates doubled this past year, partly due to Uncle Sam's increases, partly due to the larger newsletter As we have very much appreciated your loyalty in growing with us , we have absorbed all additional costs during 2000
However, in 2001 , we can no longer absorb the additional costs, and we shall have to raise rates. Starting with renewals in 2001 , the new rates are as follows : U.S ., $15; Canada and Mexico, $18; all other countries, $20 .
We hope you will stay with us as we strive to continue to give you a more beautiful newsletter
As always, thank you for your wonderful support
Rita B. Bocher Publisher
CELEBRATING THE SEASON: Only a partial listing, of course. If we've missed one we should include, let us know.
AUSTRALIA
Sydney. Christmas Museum (Nativity House). All year. 600 Nativities. CollectionofElisabeth VanMullekom-Cserep Email: nativity@mindspring.com or www.nativityhouse.com.au.
CANADA
Montreal. St. Joseph's Oratory, Brother Andre Museum. 3800 Queen Mary Rd. 350 sets and life-size Nativity. Sets for sale. lOa m-5 p m. Donation. Tel: 514-733-8211.
FRANCE
Colmar. Musee d 'Unterlinden. Les dominicaines d 'Unterlinden. Dec. 2000 to June 2001.
Paris. "La Creche du Vieux Paris." Place de Hotel de Ville. December. 421 figures; many move.
GERMANY
Bamberg. Der Krippenweg-The Way of the Crib. A route of creches from the Cathedral to most buildings in the old town.
Last Saturday in Nov to early Jan Einsiedeln. "Largest crib in the world," with about 470 figures. Year round .
ITALY
Major exhibits in practically every town and every church. Most displayed after mid-Dec. to Jan. 6.
Rome. Sala del Bramante, Piazza del Popolo Presepi display from all regions. Dec-Jan
tivities.com
www.Nativities.com has the Internet's largest selection of unique handmade nativities from around the world. Our
NETHERLANDS
Utrecht. Museum Catharijneconvent. Collection includes 18th century Neapolitan creche. December.
POLAND
Krakow. Historical Museum of City of Krakow. Exhibit of entries in szopka competition held first Thurs. in Dec. in main square
UNITED KINGDOM
London. Westminster Abbey. Week before Christmas to Jan. 6
UNITED STATES
California
Berkeley. St. Clement's Episcopal Church. 2837 Claremont Blvd. Judith Davis collection. Dec. 1, 5-8p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p m. Tel: 510-237-4885. Donation.
Danville Danville Stake Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 655 Old Orchard Road. 400 creches Nov. 30Dec 3 1la.m.-9 p.m. Joan Hamblin, joanbeatri@aol com Tel: 925-837-7931 or Diana Toland, Ideastoo@aol.com.
Kansas
Lawrence. Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas 18th century presepio with original setting. Gallery closed Monday . Free srhayden@falcon.cc .ukans .edu. Tel: 785-864-4710
Maryland
Kensington. Washington,D.C. Temple Visitors' Center. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 9900 Stonybrook Drive Dec. 1- Jan. 1. Free. 10 a.m. -9 p.m Creche exhibit, concerts. Tel: 301-587-0144.
Michigan
Ann Arbor. St. Nicholas Light Display 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive. 5:30 p.m. -10 p.m. $7 per car supports "Make A Wish Foundation " Personal creche collection of Thomas Monaghan. Ann Arbor. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . 1385 Green Rd . Over 900 creches. Dec 1-4, 10 a.m-9 p.m. Sun l la.m.-7 p.m Free. Frankenmuth Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, 25 Christmas Lane. Bronner Family personal collection. "Silent Night" chapel replica on grounds Tel: 517-652-9931.
Minnesota
Minneapolis. Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Rd Tel: 612-781-2766. All year Self guide booklets. Open during regular office hours and at church services. Free
NewJeney
Mt. Laurel. Fellowship Baptist Church, 1520 Hainesport Rd Outdoor Living Nativity 13 scenes with live actors and animals Free. Dec 2-3, 9-10, 15-17. 5-8 m. Tel: 856-235-1697 .
New York
New York City. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Angel Tree and 18th c. Neapolitan presepio with about 300 figures. Late Nov. to Jan. 6. Museum admission. (Continued next page)
Made to Order from Russia: CR-683 Alexander's Nativity - $850 (shelter 8" high)
CELEBRATING THE SEASON (cont'd)
Ohio
Columbus. State Auto Nativity Display, 518 E. Broad St. 75 lifesized figw-es . Dec . 6- Jan. 1. Free. Contact Debbie Conkel, 800-444-9950, ext. 4946. Email: Debbie.Conkel@stauto.com Dayton. Creches International Show at Dayton Art Institute, Nov. 21-Jan7.
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem. Central Moravian Church. Putz Dec. 3 - 31.Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wed-Sat: 4:30-8:30 p .m.; Sun: 1-8:30 p.m. Closed Dec 24, 25
Doylestown. Navidad Heirloom Nativities will be producing gallery show to benefit Habitat for Humanity, Bucks County. The Frame Factory & Gallery, 266 S. Main St. Nov 3, 6-8 p.m. Free. Contact Michelle Wunsch, 215-345-9225
Washington, D.C.
National Cathedral Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves. NW. Late Nov -Dec. 202-537-6200.
The White House Neapolitan creche in East Room along with First Family's Christmas Trees. Tickets available at Visitors Center. December. 202-456-7041 or www.whitehouse com.
With thanks to many contributors, especially to Judith Davis (CA) and Mary Herzel (PA).
PUBLISHER MAKES FUND RAISING OFFER
Nativity House Publishing of Des Plaines, Illinois, is offering the lavishly illustrated 224-page hardback book, Christmas Nativities and Stories, by Elisabeth Van Mullekom Cserep, as a fund raiser for schools, churches, and other non-profit groups.
The book retails for $30, but the cost to your organization would be only $16 plus shipping and handling, Thus, your group would make about $14 (less s/h) on each book. If your group is within a 30 mile radius of the publishing house, the books are delivered free. Revenues are donated to charities in Australia and the U.S.
For further information or to order books, contact Nativity House Publishing, 1645 S. River Road #4, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Tel: 847-299-1700; Fax: 3975. Email: nativity@mindspring com.
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Communications: Frank B. Herzel
Office: 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3 511 U. S.A Web e: www.o .net/-bocassoc/ E-mail : crech o .net
THE OTHER PATRON SAINT OF THE CRECHE
by Matthew Powell
Most people are familiar with St. Francis of Assisi and the living Nativity scene he created in the village of Greccio. Fewer people, however, know the other saint who did so much to promote the Christmas creche.
St. Cajetan (Gaetano) da Thiene was born in Vicenza in northwestern Italy in 1480 He studied theology and law at the University of Padua, receiving doctorates in both civil and church law. Afterwards, he went to Rome, where he was active with a variety of groups that worked with the poor and the sick, finally getting ordained as a priest on Christmas Day in 1516.
At Christmas the following year, Cajetan was saying Mass in the Chapel of the Manger in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome . The chapel contains the oldest known individual three-dimensional Nativity figures, and is the repository of the purported boards of Jesus' manger . During the service, he experienced a vision ofMary and the Infant Jesus in which Mary placed the Child in his arms
After that vision, the Nativity became an important theme in his preaching and writing. Every year afterward he erected a large Nativity scene and preached in front of it. He often invited shepherds to come and play their bagpipes before it. In addition, he promoted devotion to the Infant Jesus. He also helped found an order of priests and brothers who soon received the nickname, "the Theatines," named for Chieti, a region in Abruzzo
When Rome was sacked by the troops of Emperor Charles V in 1527, Cajetan moved his Order first to Venice, and then to Naples. ·Cajetan worked hard to improve the religious and temporal lives of the people. For example, in order to combat the loan sharking that was victimizing the poor, he established a non-profit credit organization to provide low interest loans. That organization eventually became the Bank of Naples.
The Theatines' first house of worship in Naples was a horse stable which they converted into a church, named appropriately Santa Maria de/la Stalletta (Saint Mary of the Little Stable). Here, in 1534, Cajetan erected his first presepio in Naples. He and his followers erected creches at Christmas time in all the institutions they founded.
Cajetan often is credited with creating the difference between canonical creches-those in churches which featured historical accuracy in dress and architecture, and familiar creches, those for families, with figures dressed in contemporary Neapolitan dress and in typical southern Italian settings.
In Italy today, there is still the distinction between the presepio orientale-eastern creches with characters and settings of first century Palestine, and presepio populare-popular or people's creches whose settings and figures reflect 18th or 19th century Italy.
Cajetan wanted to see creches erected in homes instead of only in religious places like churches or monasteries Although the creche as a home display did not become popular during the saint ' s lifetime, he is credited with planting the seed that contributed to the spectacular flowering of the home display in Naples. In art, Cajetan is usually portrayed holding the Infant Jesus in his arms.
O P
author of
Creche Herald only subscription information Year 2000 annual rate: $12; Canada/Mexico: US $15
Other countries: US$16
Enclose check or money order payable to Creche Herald. Mail to: Crecbe Herald, 117 Crosshill Road Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A.
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GIFT IDEA FOR THE SEASON: A MEMBERSHIP TO FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE OR A SUBSCRIPTION TO CRECHE HERALD.
Matthew Powell,
is
The Christmas Creche : Treasure of Faith, Art & Theater.
St. Cajetan: Holy cardfree with stamped self-addressed envelope to Fr. Matthew Pawell, O.P., St. Thomas Aquinas Priory, Providence College, Providence, R.l. 02918.
Decorate the interior of _your home with the three magi from the East this holida_y season, the perfect addition to _your Fontanini Heirloom Nativit_y.
Tell the stor_y of their travels to the Hol_y Land to bring treasures to the Christ child with these 5" Fontanini figures and accompan_ying tents. Each hand-painted pol_ymer figure comes in a beautiful photo gift box with an inspirational stor_y card.
FROM OUR READERS:
When my husband and I were in Egypt, our guide gave us a short break before sightseeing. While my husband took care of necessary items like exchanging currency, I ran to a gift shop nearby where I had seen a Nativity in the window. At that point, we had had no luck in finding an Egyptian creche, but the owner had three in different sizes. I quickly purchased the mid-sized one, and hurried out to the tour bus.
Upon returning that night from our exhausting visit to the ancient sites, I unpacked the set for my husband to see. He looked at it, and immediately noticed Joseph was missing. I was heartsick.
The next morning, much to our surprise, the owner was in his shop. As our bus was leaving for the airport in a short time, we had already packed the incomplete Nativity. We hadn't dreamed the shop would be open early enough for us to ask about our "missing person." The shopkeeper argued with us for a few precious minutes that he had put Joseph in the package. Finally, he said, "I'm a Christian, and if you say I forgot that piece, I will believe you. Here." And he wrapped up the Joseph from another set on display. Not only do we now have a precious creche that reminds us of our Savior and of Egypt, but we have a reminder of an honest Christian man in that far-off place.
Elaine Luman, Columbus, Texas
I really enjoy your newsletter. I did not realize there were so many people who collected Nativities. I only started collecting about a year ago and have Nativities from several countries throughout the world. Our most recent trip was to South Africa where I purchased several hand cruved sets.
My most unusual set is from the yama-mammi tribe of Venezuela. This tribe was discovered only in the late 1980s. Until that time they were isolated from visitors and the outside world. Missionaries must have introduced Christianity, and I have a clay creche made by them with the figures depicted in native costume-or lack thereof.
I am interested in finding a creche with aboriginal people depicting the Nativity.
Virginia Hanney, Kaysville, Utah
For approximately 30 years, I have been in the YWCA International Boutique operated by a group of volunteers to raise funds for Toronto's share of Canada's support of the world work of the YWCA. Among the many things which we sell are creche sets, and that is where I first became interested in starting a collection of my own. One of my Nativities, a beauty, is a needlepoint set made by a relative. Several were purchased at bazaars where the artisans had booths, with one being a linen set where the woman grew her own flax and processed it.
Edith Vuchnich, Toronto, Canada
I started ' 23 years ago collecting a new creche for my daughter each Christmas. Gradually, our collection has
grown to over 300. We have made an effort to purchase creches from many mediums. Through our travels, we have added to our European and South American creches
Upon my recent retirement, I determined my goals. I had always nurtured a creche design idea I wanted to create, so I have started collecting materials for it. I have amassed a huge collection of stitchery and craft patterns and have begun to stitch, stitch, stitch. Ifl live to be a 100, I might make a dent in this area. I find that most of the patterns date from the early seventies; perhaps, many earlier ones were culled from shelves. My next goal is to make this collection as complete as possible by locating earlier craft books. Is there a collection or library of artcraft publications already in existence? I look forward to establishing a relationship with the creche community . Sandy Wildman, Madison, Indiana
Your readers will be interested in the December Christmas Fair in Bethlehem, Connecticut. It is called the Christmas Village because the topography bears a striking resemblance to that of the Holy Land. In the village is a female Benedictine monastery where the community of nuns in traditional attire chant Holy Scripture in Latin during the day. On the monastery grounds is an 18th century Neapolitan creche with about 60 figures on permanent display. Nativity sets are, of course, featured in the monastery gift shop.
John Loeper, Bonita Spring, Florida
Elaine Luman's creche from Egypt
The '7':. oirst <Christmas
by P1pka
This beautifu l nativity is being issued in a three-year program. At the end of three yea rs, you will h ave been given the opportunity to purchase a comp l ete nativi ty, en compass ing the H oly Fam ily, shepherds, th ree wise men, anima ls, angels and accessory pieces
Each figurine and stable are made of cold cast resin, hand painted w ith exquisite detail and gift boxed. The first year of production each figurine will be stamped First Edition
family Cfhr i stmas tradition. Prizm inc. I Pipka Co ll ecti bl es * P.O Box 1106 * Manhattan, KS
THE CRECHE AS NORTH AMERICAN ART
A ten year old book worth visiting is Nacimientos : Nativity scenes by Southwest Indian A rtisans by Guy and Doris Monthan (University ofNew Mexico, 1990) Printed in German, Spanish and English, the authors trace the history of the creche art form that emerged in the l 950's They present briefbiographies of the artists who represent pueblos and tribes in New Mexico and Arizona. Color reproductions generously illustrate their works
The Monthans also describe the 16th century beginnings of Christian art in the Southwest when the Franciscan missionaries made contact with the native peoples . Eventually, most accepted Christianity, not to replace their own religion, but as an addition to it.
By the mid 18th century, the religious art of the Southwest was the work ofSpanish-Americansanteroswho fashioned the saints and Holy Family images on wood or on animal hides Although the santero period declined by the beginning of the 20th century, some have called those figures the only Christian religious art historically derived from the Native American tradition.
*****
PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 2001 CONVENTION OF THE FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE.
CRECHE HERALD NEWSMAKER
Michael Stumpf, of Navidad Heirloom Nativities , LP , Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was honored as a finalist in the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers Achievement Awards for Architectural Structure of the Year Stumpf designed the premier Fontanini "Designer Edition Nativity" introduced in 1999
???? and COMMENTS
Q. What does the Anny's morning call habit of " reveille" have to do with Christmas?
A. The word, reveille, is directly related to the French word, reveillon However, in contrast to the annoyance associated with the American word, reveillon refers to the happy meal and celebration in French homes when families return from Christmas Eve Midnight Mass.
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE SOCIETY. Yearly membership of $25 includes a subscription to CRECHE HERALD. Mail to Friends of the Creche, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511, USA
REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY
by Mary Herzel
Not too many churches can boast of a Nativity art collection that can be viewed every day during office or worship. But that is what Nativity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, can do.
According to Pastor Glenn Seefeldt, the adult Bible instructor, Marilyn Eberlein, began the Nativity collection in 1987. "It was a memorial to an evangelist who had touched so many of our church members," he said. "Now it's a wonderful way to make guest worshipers feel welcome when they visit."
In her world travels with her husband, Eberlein first visited the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy. There, she was impressed with the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Florence. "I saw Mary as part of the Nativity, and suddenly realized the potential ofNativity art for my church back home," she explained. "I began the collection by bringing items I found in my travels in my bulging suitcases."
Creches, prints, original paintings, wall hangings on the Nativity scene somehow came back with her over the years. "It seemed to be a wonderful opportunity to help us tell the Gospel story to those who entered our worship space," Eberlein said.
The collection has since expanded to about 70 creches displayed in cases, as well as about 50 pieces of hanging art, embroidery, prints and paintings. Other members of the congregation have added items from their travels, and church school children have contributed three large scenes painted on the corridor walls.
One creche set that intrigues Eberlein is the matreshka, or nested egg from St. Petersburg, Russia. On each of the eggs is painted a scene, "so, when you take them apart, you see the entire story of the Nativity," noted Eberlein.
In Rocamadour, France, a sacred pilgrimage site founded in 1109, AD., Eberlein discovered her favorite creche. During the early days, tradition says, one of the twelve apostles was given sanctuary there. Since then, many miracles have occurred on the site. "In the gift shop there, in a dark, dusty comer, was a creche made by a villager. The figures of Mary and Joseph, about 6 inches tall, are of handwoven fabrics. The baby Jesus is in a woven basket like the one Moses might have floated in. The faces have no distinguishing features. They're precious."
She adds, "And of course, as we now have a large Southeast Asian population in Minnesota, it is very special to have a Pandau story cloth of embroidery that tells the entire Nativity story."
Eberlein has found interesting creches at varied places, such as Ten Thousand Villages shops and foreign countries. "The name of my church inspires me to keep on looking. Each one is unique, a symbol of hope and peace." Mary Herzel, l! writer, lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
FRIENDSOFTHECRECHEOFFICIALLYFORMED NOW IT'S ON TO AN EXCITING CONVENTION
It's official. The Friends of the Creche steering committee approved by-laws for the society at a meeting hosted by Rev. Johann Roten at the Marian Library and Research Institute of the University ofDayton, on Saturday, August 12. A complete set of the by-laws will appear in a future issue of Creche Herald.
Present at the meeting were: Rita and Herman Bocher, Jay Bullock, Julie and David Colflesh, Judith and Robert Davis, James Govan, Mary and Frank Herzel, Robert Reinke, Mary Jo Riegel, Johann Rotan, Michael Whalen, Marjorie Yefchak, and Holly Zenger
The Board of Directors was formed from the members present, with the following officers elected:
Chair: James Govan, Arlington, VA
Vice Chair: Judith Davis, El Cerrito, CA
Secretary: Mary Herzel, Harrisburg, PA
Treasurer: Julie Colflesh, Folsom, PA
Board members are: Jay Bullock (MD); Roy Ledbetter (MO}, Robert Reinke (NJ), Mary Jo Riegel (OH}, Johann Roten (OH}, Michael Whalen (MI), Marjorie Yefchak (OH), and Holly Zenger (UT). Terms were staggered, with individual terms determined by a drawing. RitaBocher was selected as publications editor and an ex-officio member of the Board.
* * *
With approval of the by-laws and the election of officers, the Board turned its attention to its first major event-the 2001 Convention of Friends of the Creche.
The Board selected Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as the site of its first convention. In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Lancaster offers unique creche related events, such as the National Christmas Center with its life size Bethlehem and splendid creche collection, and an extraordinary musical called The Miracle ofChristmas. In addition, the area boasts large discount shopping malls, Amish attractions, and wonderful food.
Only members of the Friends of the Creche may attend the convention. Creche h.-!rald subscribers who wish to upgrade their subscription to include membership, should contact Rita Bocher by e-mail (crecher@op.net) or by writing to her in care of Creche Herald.
Rita was asked to be convention chair. Lots of volunteers will be needed to make the convention a great success, so members are encouraged to offer their services and skills as soon as possible.
Fr. Roten and his assistant, Marjorie Yefchak, offered the group exceptional hospitality during the session. Participants also had an opportunity to view part of the extraordinary creche collection of the Marian Library. Many of the Nativities were arranged with unique backgrounds and settings, adding to their beauty.
PIP.KA: AN ARTIST PURSUES A DREAM
Pipka, of Priztn, Inc. has issued her first ever Nativity collection. This brand new Holy Family, with angels and animals looking on, rests in one of two versions of an Old World stable, one Bavarian-styled and snow covered, the other more traditional and tropical. The standing figure of St. Joseph is 7" . Figures are hand painted cold cast resin.
Collectors registering for the entire Nativity set, which will be issued over a three-year period, will receive the First Christmas Angel free, a $50 value.
Pipka was born in Germany and came to America with her parents and brother after World War IL Her family settled in North Dakota. When her mother, while visiting Germany, sent Pipka art supplies and instruction books on Bavarian peasant painting, Pipka picked up the brush and has never put it down since.
One long winter day, Pipka was snow bound in her studio. On that quiet snowflake day, she was inspired to design her first Father Christmas image, a Russian Santa, as a gift for her mother
From her first collection of Santas, Pipka then moved to European inspired angels In May 1994, Gary Meidinger and Michele Johnson, who had been in the gift industry many years, met Pipka, and decided to start a company using her designs That was the beginning of Priztn, Inc. Gradually, Pipkas's Old World Santas and angels joined
the growing array of products.
For more information, contact Pipka Collectibles, P O. Box 1106, Manhattan, Kansas 66505. Tel : 888-4)7-4752
Linda Reilly, Chicago, Illinois , with the Nativity sweatshirt made as a birlhday gift by her mother, Dolores Kozack
! ! ! Mark your calendars ! ! !
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE CONVENTION
(Must be a member of Friends of the Creche to attend)
When: Where:
October 25-28, 2001
Eden Resort Inn
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country
Beautiful, newly furnished hotel rooms accommodate 1-4 persons.
Price per room: $88.80 per night.
Free parking. Free shuttle from Lancaster airport or train station.
Registration: $150 per person. Includes:
* Opening reception at the unique National Christmas Center
* Evening at an extraordinary production of the musical, THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS
* Bus transportation to the above events
* Continental coffee/tea service
* One amazing luncheon buffet
* Before theater refreshments
* Fabulous closing banquet
* Fascinating lectures and presentations
* Surprises! !!
EXTRAS:
You'll enjoy raffles, sales tables, exhibits, an opportunity to visit two major discount shopping malls, and world famous Amish attractions. YOU
