The creche on our cover is carved from a single block of linden wood by Vladas Rakuckas, Vilnius, Lithuania. The Nativity is among those documented in a new book, Art and Faith of the Creche: Nativities from the James and Emilia Govan Collection, published by the John Paul II Cultural Center, Washington, D .C., and to be available Fall 2005.
The Journey of Collecting by James Govan
When my late, dear wife, Emilia, and I set out to collect creches in the early 1970s, we had only the simplest notion of what we had decided to do. We became attracted to these wonderful scenes because of our faith, our very eclectic taste in art, and our interest in other cultures. What we couldn't realize was that, over the nearly thirty years we collected together, our sudden impulse would take us on a wonderful journey. And in the years since Emilia's passing, I have continued this journey in her memory, and it continues to take a wondrous and unexpected path.
There is no way that Emilia and I could have foreseen how the collection would affect our lives. For me, my Christian faith has deepened even as I have enjoyed encounters with Muslim, Taoist, Buddhist, Jew, and those of no specific affiliation who made a number of creches. Even though I devoted my career to the United States Agency for International Development, I have learned even more about the cultures of the world, and have connected to my ancestral roots in Lithuania.
Today when I look at many of the creches in the collection, now numbering over 400, I see, first of all, yet another person's interpretation of this wondrous event of Christ's birth. But then, I am often likely to view the creche in the context of some wonderful, perhaps touching personal experience. The religious, artistic, and cultural dimensions of the creche exist in a social context. In fact, I am fond of saying that Emilia and I simply became the caretakers of a collection that has been developed by a large network of family, friends, acquaintances, artists, work colleagues, merchants, and museum and religious staff all over the world.
Our journey began as I'm sure it did for other collectors. We simply wanted to acquire creches which represented different countries and societies. Soon, we focused on documenting the creches as much as possible, and with this came a desire to learn as much as we could about the artist or people, perhaps members of a cooperative, who made the scenes. This was the real beginning of creating a social framework for the collection as it led us to interact with artists, merchants, and others.
As the collection grew, we became interested in exhibiting the collection as a way of promoting greater appreciation of the creche tradition. We also began to seek out particular cultural representations of the Nativity, and started searching for artists and commissioning creches.
Finally, the idea of writing a book emerged. This effort began slowly as I was not yet retired, and then was interrupted by Emilia's illness. In 2000, the book effort resumed as a way for me to honor her memory.
As I think about the collection now, I am filled with gratitude and amazement at what has developed, and where this journey has taken me. There is pride in the artistic quality of so many creches. There are touching encounters with many artists who made commissioned pieces, such as the poor artist in
Vladivostok who made her first Nativity for me, then gave it as a gift. And there are many special experiences, including that of the Lithuanian carver, Vladas, who, while working on a project in the United States, carved into the early hours to make his first Nativity for us. Then, as a retirement gift, my office staff commissioned a Kenyan Nativity for me. The scene is populated with warthogs, one of my favorite animals and emblematic of the stuffed toy warthog that was the office mascot.
The interest in creches also led to one of the most rewarding aspects of this now long journey. Along with others, I have connected with the national society of Friends of the Creche. This singular event opened a whole new world for me in terms of friendships and learning.
And finally, the social story of our journey would not be complete without mention of the "patrons" of the collection, who perhaps more importantly, became friends. We are very indebted to Monsignor Michael di Tecchia Farina, Washington, D.C., who invited us to present our first exhibit at the Paul VI Institute for the Arts gallery in 1990, and then co-sponsored our exhibit at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in that city. Now I'm deeply honored that the Center is publishing a book about the collection. This support fulfills my dream of publishing a book in memory of Emilia.
James Govan lives in Arlington, Virginia.
Dear Readers:
Jim Govan's new book, Art and Faith of the Creche: Nativities from the James and Emilia Govan Collection, is a source of great pride for all of us. We extend our very best wishes on such a significant undertaking.
* ,!, *
You will see on the Friends of the Creche Notes that FOTC has decided to change its membership year to a January to January format. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO CHANGE FOR CRECHE HERALD ONLY SUBSCRIBERS.
Creche Herald only subscribers will continue to receive their yearly renewal notices when due as before. Of course, there is no change for new Creche Herald only subscribers who will start the subscription year whenever they send in their fees.
Questions? Please call me at 610-649- 7520 or email at crecher@op.net.
Hope all of you will encourage children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors' children, school children you know or children of friends, church members, to participate in our drawing contest. Should be a fun project for all.
*'*'*
And of course, I look forward to meeting some of you at the Friends of the Creche convention in Santa Fe in November.
Rita B. Bacher, Publisher
CRECHE HERALD
CHILDREN'S NATIVITY DRAWING CONTEST
EVERYONE'S A WINNER! All participants will receive a Creche Heral.d Certificate of Merit. Drawings considered special by the judges will be given a Nativity related book. Selected drawings will be published in Creche Heral.d.
GUIDELINES: Use regular 8-1/2" by 11" blank paper for drawing. You may use crayons, paints, colored pencils. The subject of the drawing may be anything pertaining to the Nativity of Jesus or the Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt.
Write name, address, age and schoo l grade on BACK of paper. If family has an e-mail address, include that also.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE: Youngsters up to age 15. Open to ALL children whether or not parent or relative is a Creche Heral.d subscriber. ONLY ONE DRAWING PER PERSON MAY BE SUBMITTED. No drawings returned.
DEADLINE: Envelopes containing drawings must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2005. Send to Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511, USA.
JUDGES: James Brack, Newark, Delaware; Carol Fowler, Wayne, Pennsylvania; Barbara Delorey, Media, Pennsylvania; Kristin Groenvald, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James is a graphic designer. Carol and Barbara are docents at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Carol also is a free lance art reviewer; Kristin, an artist, is Founder and Director of Art Sphere, Inc., a non-profit organization that brings art education to inner-city youth.
Prizes have been donated by Abrams Books, New York, New York; Augsburg Fortress Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Elisabeth Van Mullekom-Cserep, New South Wales, Australia, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, and Creche Heral.d.
GLOBAL GIFTS IN SAN PEDRO HOSTS ITS 16TH ANNUAL
INTERNATIONAL CRECHE SHOW AND SALE
The 16th Annual Nativity Show and Sale is set for Saturday, November 5 at Global Gifts, a nonprofit international folk-art shop with a glowing reputation as the West Coast's hub for creches from around the world.
Attracting collectors from all over the country-many of whom fly in especially for this event-the show and sale unveils Global Gifts' stunning inventory of hundreds of rare, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creches that come to the shop from all over the globe. The Nativity Show and Sale reveals the many profound ways in which the story of the Nativity is expressed by cultures far and wide.
At this moment, Global Gifts associates are on the road and overseas, tracking down new connections, new artisans, and new creches. This year's show will feature creches from Puerto Rico, Botswana, Tibet, Mozambique, Honduras, Brazil, Russia, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Bosnia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, Ireland, Peru, Bolivia, Greece, Ecuador, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and all over the USA.
These ingeniously creative creches come in a dazzling array of materials, including sterling silver, jacaranda pods, nails, cotton, paper, soapstone, banana bark, crysral, glass, ceramic, recycled metal, textiles, enamel, ebony, walnut wood, mahogany, olivewood, beads, iron, and yarn. Feel free to call ahead for special requests.
Another reason to feel good about shopping for creches or anything else at Global Gifts is that profits from all sales benefit children's charities worldwide.
In addition to the hundreds of creches for sale, long-time collectors will bring to the show some of their own treasures from home to display and discuss. These collectors will be on hand to share anecdotes from their pursuit of this unusual hobby, and to offer tips on smart collecting.
The theme of this year's holiday display at Global Gifts is Family. The story of the Nativity is a family story, after all, and the all-volunteer staff of Global Gifts-a nonprofit shop aiding needy children for over 35 years-evokes a friendly family feeling among customers new and old. Many Global Gifts customers are second-and even-third generation: grandparents, parents and children all make the Nativity Show the official launch of their families' yearly holiday celebrations.
Coffee, conversation and creches-that's how the season starts at Global Gifts.
Global Gifts, 531 West 7th Street, San Pedro, California 90731 Tel: 310-548-1762
FRIENDS OF THE CRECHE NOTES
Dear Friends of the Creche,
Soon, many of us will be gathering in Santa Fe for our much anticipated convention. Our limit on attendance is 240, and as of this writing we have only about 30 spots left. For those attending, I know it will be an enjoyable and memorable occasion. For those unable to attend, I hope we can share some experiences through our post-convention reporting.
This issue includes a feature on our keynote speaker, Charles Carrillo, who is one of, if not the leading authority on the centuries old tradition of santos in the American Southwest. We look forward to presentations by acclaimed artists, such as Sabinita Lopez Ortiz and Esther Cajero. In addition to other speakers and entertainment, there will be two other exciting events. One is our special exhibit of creches from Native American communities throughout the Southwest. The exhibit will include valuable creches by famous artists. Given its uniqueness, we've formed a committee to work on a publication to record the event. There will be one other special exhibit also. We shall have an exhibit of drawings of the Nativity by children, and expect dozens of youngsters to participate.
On the organizational front, I have two important announcements. First, Eileen Canty has had to resign from the Board because of family requirements. She was elected to the Board in 2003, and was a very valuable member. She is known throughout her area as a generous sponsor of Nativity exhibits drawn from her large collection. And she's a great authority on where to find creches, as I'm sure you've learned by reading her articles in Creche Herald. We hope to keep Eileen engaged if her time permits, but we thank her for her enthusiastic service to FOTC. We shall miss her very much on the Board.
Per the Bylaws, the Board must replace vacancies to fill unexpired terms, and we are pleased to announce that the current vacancy will be filled by Bill Smith of Oklahoma until the expiration of Eileen's term in 2006. We welcome Bill to the Board and look forward to his participation.
The other announcement is that the FOTC Board has changed the membership cycle to a calendar year basis beginning in 2006-essentially a January to January cycle. This will alleviate the heavy demand on volunteer work to service memberships, and we think it will be easier to remember your renewal date.
In other news, our regular treasury account was $9,759 on June 30. In addition, we have placed $15,000 in a short-term certificate of deposit. Our membership on
June 30 was 429. We also are busy on plans for our 2006 and 2007 gatherings. On the international front, the International Federation has set the next international Congress in Augsburg, Germany, in January 2008, in close proximity to Christmas.
I hope that many of you are logging on to our websites: www.christmascrecheconvention.org and www.friendsofthecreche.org. And we all look forward to additional issues of The Crib Sheet.
I welcome your feedback on all of these efforts. Thank you for your continued support.
Jim Govan, President (JimGovan@aol.com)
Santa Fe FOTC convention attendees: Please bring an ornament for the Friendship Tree. A drawing will be held and several lucky winners will share in the ornaments.
Meet New Board Member Bill Smith, Eufaula, Oklahoma. Bill has been a creche collector for some years, and "got serious in 1985." He and his wife, Eloise, display some of their 400 sets year round in their business office; he also tends a year-round display in his local Methodist church. He invites members whose travels take them to Oklahoma to "please stop in and visit."
RENEWAL NOTICE: The FOTC Board has decided to institute a process whereby all Friends of the Creche membership renewals will be on a January to January cycle starting January 2006. This will make it easier to remember your renewal date: the New Year means renewal time. Unfortunately, we need some transition time. Effective immediately, when you receive your renewal notice, you will be offered two options. The first is to pay the remaining time left in 2005 in which case you'll be billed again in January 2006. The second option is to pay for the remainder of 2005 and all of 2006, resulting in no billing until 2007. New memberships will be on a pro-rated basis so as to get new Friends on the January cycle right away. Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Mike Whalen, Membership chair
FOTC DIRECTORY: If you do not wish your name to appear in the directory, notify Mike Whalen by October 1, 2005: creche@wowway.com
CRECHE HUNTING .. .IN SPAIN
by Eileen Canty
Prices are listed in euros as the exchange rate is so variable. At the time of our visit, rates ranged from $1 25 to $1 .38 to one euro. Some, but not all stores, offer tax rebates of 10% if more than 75 euros are spent in one store in a single day.
As every good creche hunter knows, the first thing you need to do in a foreign country is learn the correct translation. I thought I had it made since, by now, nacimiento, is practically my native tongue. I was surprised, however, to receive a blank stare when I first entered a shop and said "Nacimiento?" in a questioning tone. I had to learn to pronounce it nam_imiento in Spain. And, I pronounced it thus from Barcelona to the various towns on the route to Santiago de Compostela, back to Madrid and Toledo.
We experienced disappointments, such as artists who had moved without forwarding addresses, and shops and museums closed for Easter holidays or siestas. On the other hand, our discoveries ranged from the ridiculous-a 50-euro Holy Family of egg-crate type cardboard with a cross-eyed Jesus-to the sublime-an exquisite carved ivory Holy Family for 6000 euros.
ln Athlone, Ireland, and then in Boston, we had discovered stores run by nuns whose mission is providing good church art. In Spain, there are three branches of Apostolado Liturgico: Barcelona, Vfa Layetana, 45-A: Bilbao, Calle Colon de Larreategui, 17; and Madrid, Calle Bordadores, I l. Naturally, as all these cities were on our itinerary, we visited all three. Although similar in aesthetics, there were differences in inventory and procedures. For example, Barcelona participated in tax rebates to tourists, but the others didn't. In addition to typical small items from five to 33 euros, there were a number of gems-an 18-inch carved Holy Family for 1600 euros and silver plated classic set in thick wooden triptych cases for 260. In Bilbao, we found a seven-piece, 9-inch terracotta set for 220 euros. The figures are dressed in stiffened fabric, Basque style, complete with Saint Joseph in a beret! A wooden cross about 30 x 18 inches was decorated with brightly colored folk style icons of the events surrounding the Nativity (110 euros).
An unassuming gift shop in San Sebastian, PYC, Mayor, 15, carried a 9-inch carved Holy Family by a Barcelona studio for 150 euros. They priced the Nao Lladr6 Holy Family with Mary in a scarf at 152. Adding the donkey and cow raised the cost to 242 euros. The ubiquitous 2-inch santon-like figures from Andalucia cost one euro each. In addition to the Nativity figures, a large assortment of townspeople and professions were available.
A main reason for visiting Santander is the diocesan museum with its wonderful centuries-old art, including at least one Nativity image. Another reason would be ArnaizPardo, Calle del Rfo, 15, with a variety of carved bas reliefs from Taller Madera for about 300 euros, a 15-inch carved Holy Family for 700, and small ceramic scenes for 60.
If you ever win the lottery and are in the market for creches, visit Azabacheria Rod Mayer in the Parador de las Reyes Cat6licos, in Santiago de Compostela. Your first 6000 euros should be spent on the ivory Holy Family, about 8inches tall. Carved in Spain in the last decade, Mary has flowing hair and looks like a Renaissance Madonna. The
next 6000 could get you an icon, perhaps 12 x 18 inches, gloriously hand enameled in jewel tones on silver. Pocket change of 300 euros will get you a 3-inch, five-piece creche of silver and a bit more, an Italian carved set by Leppi.
A cluster of stores around the Plaza Mayor in Madrid sell church art, with a number on Calle Bordadores, close to the Apostolado Liturgico. In addition to their regular stock, Nazaret, at #5, had two rooms upstairs, one devoted to all sizes and styles of Fontanini figures, even I-inch. The second room was stocked with figures and accessories for Spanish sets.
Bellosoa, Calle Mayor, 23, with an English speaking clerk and a wonderful inventory, provided a welcome oasis for us, Spanish challenged as we are. At the upper end, a life size, full creche was 20,000 euros. At the lower end were a variety of smaller items under 25 euros. In between, there were Italian Leppi carvings of a light wood, tilo, for 400 euros for a five-piece creche. The classic Spanish style nacimiento of fabric draped terracotta was priced at 213 for a 9-inch Holy Family plus animals. (Note that there are branches in Zaragosa and Valencia which we didn't visit.)
Close by, El Quetzal de las Indias, Calle Mayor, 13, included Nativities among its unusual folk art. For example, from Peru, a creche set of yellow clay with trees and topless figures sold for 250 euros, and a classically styled set, about 9-inches high, beautifully painted and ornately gilded, was 600 euros.
Always interested in diverse materials, I was looking for a damascened (steel inlaid with gold) Nativity, something I hadn't found on a previous trip. This time, for 95 euros, the many branches of El Corte Ingles in Barcelona and Madrid carried a 9-inch high triptych of El Greco's Nursing Madonna, appropriate for an artist and process associated with Toledo. Eileen Canty frequently travels to find unique creches.
Ruth Shaffer, Shillington, Pennsylvania, noted the unusual venue of this Nativity at the El Fogon de Jule restaurant in the nearby city of Reading when she saw this photo in the Reading Eagle Times. Photo courtesy of the newspaper.
FINDING BETHLEHEM IN TEXAS
by Bill Smith
Returning to my home in Eufaula, Oklahoma, from a wildflower-viewing trip in the hill country of Texas, we found Bethlehem. It was just a little north of Denton, Texas, off I-35. Bethlehem in Denton County is the creation of Monroe Klein, master carpenter, and Judy Klein, Mangermaid. The place is a lovely spot located in the yard near their home. Here you are invited to celebrate the joy of the Birth of Jes us-all year.
There are over 2250 Nativities under one roof in a building Monroe constructed just for the mangers. At first, there was plenty of room, but as the Mangermaid/Collector kept collecting, room became scarce, and now Judy would like a wing or two added to the main building.
Visiting is a unique experience for all ages. There is a children's hands-on area, trees, tables and shelves full of treasured pieces of art. There are Nativities that are lighted, those that talk, tum, are musical, serious, funny, and one of a kind. Each represents an individual artist's interpretation of the birth of Jesus. Twenty or more countries are represented, and many have been crafted by Judy and her mother.
Judy started with a few, added those belonging to her mother, has made some from rocks and other pieces of nature, and has her family searching for new and different additions.
A visit to this unique exhibit is just an e-mail or phone call away. Bethlehem is open all year, but visits are by appointment, and are scheduled only for evenings or weekends. An ideal group size for a visit is about six individuals. That way, the Mangermaid can tell you the story behind the different displays. Judy even has a short quiz to test your powers of observation. Contact Judy Klein, Mangermaid, Collector, and Keeper of the Holy Families at: Telephone-940-458-3563, or visit her website: www.bethlehemindentonco.com.
Bill Smith, Eufaula, Oklahoma, claims the Bethlehem in Denton County exhibit is one of the cherished finds made by him and his wife, Eloise.
NATIVITY SCENES TO HELP THE POOR
by Garrick Hyde
My wife and I collect Nativity scenes only from Third World countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We do this as a means of financially supporting artisans in those countries. We have tried to buy items directly from artisans whenever possible, or through nonprofit organizations so that as much money gets back to the artisans as possible. Since we started collecting Nativity scenes, we have had the opportunity to sponsor some artisans in Asia. We currently are importing Nativity scenes from Nepal, China, and Mongolia. We resell the items at a modest profit, giving all profits back to charitable causes like tsunami relief, African food and health programs, and Third World poverty reduction programs.
Currently, we have two projects in Nepal. One scene is made by our friend, Narayan Shilpakar, who carves a wonderful scene from karma wood. This set has two intricately carved trees and a bridge for a backdrop. Mary's open palms facing Jesus show a sign of respect in Nepalese culture-holding out the palms to someone is a way of sharing your light and spirit with them. Joseph holds both a staff and a feather. The two objects balance each other visually and symbolically.
Our other project in Nepal is with a women's group that seeks to help poor rural women by teaching them to make com husk dolls. Many in the group are illiterate, and rely on the doll income for their children. In this set, the three wise men represent different Nepalese groupings: one is a Buddhist monk, one a Hindu priest, and the third a Sherpa priest.
From China we import beautifully carved wall hangings and triptychs carved from aromatic camphor wood. Symbolism is very rich. For example, one wall hanging portrays four lotus blossoms around the Holy Family symbolizing those who keep themselves clean, healthy and alive in an adverse environment.
Our favorite Chinese triptych includes Jesus, Mary, Joseph and another man. When we asked the shopkeeper in Beijing the identity of the extra figure, he told us the woodcarver who made this group patterns his designs after the Scriptures. As the Scriptures indicate that Jesus was the son of God and the son ofJoseph, he wanted to include both fathers in the carving.
We decided to make this a family project to teach our four young children the value of being service-minded and charitable. Each member of the family has a job in the project, and we review our progress as a family each week. For example, our six-year-old Hannah draws the thank-you pictures that are included in each Nativity order.
In addition to selling Nativity scenes, we strive to educate about Third World Nativities by conducting lectures wherever we are invited. When we sell Nativity sets, we include a card with information about the set.
We always are eager to spread the word to fellow collectors, and so do a little good by supporting artisans on the front and worthy humanitarian causes on the back end from the profits. For more information, contact us at garrick@garrickhyde.com.
Garrick Hyde lives in South Jordan , Utah
Joseph and Mary are of real, child-size Western spurs. They watch over an infant Jesus made from a miniature key ring spur with silver concho halo. An old wooden stirrup is the stable. Made by Judy Klein, Denton County, Texas.
ARKANSAS
EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON PENNSYLVANIA
Eureka Springs: "Beyond Dickens to the Very First Christmas." Live, interactive Christmas drama. Also, Nativity exhibit, crafts, music. Nov. 11-Dec. 10. Fri. & Sat. 5:30-8 p.m. Admission. 1-800-882- 7529.
CONNECTICUT
New Haven: Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St. "Christmas in Miniature. Creches from around the World." 57 creches & dioramas, including earliest known creche carving, on loan from the Vatican. Nov. 16-Jan 29. Free. Group reservations at 203-865-0320. Wed-Sun.: 10-5; Sun. 11-5. Closed Christmas. Larry.sowinski@kofc.org. www.kofc.org. Tel: 203-865-0400.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Pope John Paul II Cultural Center: 3900 Harewood Rd, NE. Tel: 202-635-5400. "Joy to the World," featuring James and Emilia Govan collection. Nov. 15-Jan. 30. Tues.-Sat: 10-5; Sun: noon-5p.m. Info@jp2cc.org;www.jp2cc.org.
Washington National Cathedral: Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves, NW. Nov 21 to Jan 8. www.nationalcathedral.org. Email: tours@cathedral.org. 202-53 7-2223.
MARYLAND
Kensington: Washington, DC Temple Visitors' Center, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr. Dec.1-31 Daily. Tel: 301-587-0144. www.dccalendar.lds.org
MASSACHUSETTS
Assonet: "Christmas in the Village": St. Bernard Catholic Church; United Church of Assonet: Freetown Historical Society; Crystal Springs School for the Multiple Handicapped. Dec. 1618. Nativity display, life of Christ diorama, mechanical putz; Christmas Tree house, living Nativity, shopping, concerts, youth theater. Tel: 508-644-5585. www.christmasinthevillage.org.
Attleboro: National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park St. Nov. 25-Jan 2. Festival of Lights & creche display. Weekdays 5-8; Sat., Sun.: 2-8:30. www.lasalette-shrine.org. Tel: 508-222-5410.
MINNESOTA
Austin: Helen Holder collection, 606 Oakland Place, NE. Call before visiting. 507-433-2643. End of Nov to end of Jan. Email: wrholder@charter.net
NEW JERSEY
Wayne: William Paterson College. Jazz Nativity. Dec. 3. 212-580-2349.
Trenton: Patriot Theater at the War Memorial, Jazz Nativity. Sat. Dec. 10. 609-984-8400.
NEW YORK
New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Angel Tree and 18th century Neapolitan presepio. 250 figures. Loretta Hines Howard gift. Nov. 22-Jan 8. Museum admission. 212-650-2130.
Omo
Bryan: Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center St. Over 250 sets, needlework, artwork. Nov. 24-27. Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving): 3-8 p.m; Fri., Sat. noon-8 p.m., Sun. noon8 p.m. Tel: 419-636-6721.
Loveland: Grailville Environmental, Education & Retreat Center, 932 O'Brannonville Rd. Dec. 8, 9, 12, 14, 15. Noon-2:30. Program includes brunch, guided tour. Tel 513683-2340. Email: grailville@fuse.net; www.grailville.org.
Chalfont: Byers' Choice, Ltd.4355 County Line Rd. MonSatl0-5; Sun 12-5. 215-822-6700. www.byerschoice.com
Harrisburg: 5th Annual Creche Festival. Colonial Park United Church of Christ, 5000 Devonshire Rd. Dec. 9,10, 11. Rev. Charles Hull speaks on creche selecting, Dec 10. For further information: Pat Greenawald, 717-652-0133. Donation of canned food requested for local food bank. Email: cpucc@epix.net.
Ingram: Church of the Ascension. 114 Berry St. "The Creche in Many Lands." Dec 11, 14, 21: 7-9 p.m.; Dec 17, 18: 12-4 p.m. Donation to Crafton-Ingram Ministerium. Gary Grabowski: 412-331-3217.
Paradise: National Christmas Center, 3427 Lincoln Hwy. Year around Christmas. Walk through historically researched Holy Land exhibit, Nativity display. Fee. June-Dec: Daily 106. Tel: 717-442-7950. www.nationalchristmascenter.com. Pittsburgh: Millennium Creche-replica of Vatican Nativity. Outdoor, life-size figures. USX Towers Plaza, Grant St. Dec 4-Jan 8. Gary Grabowski: 412-331-3217.
Strasburg: Millenium Theatre: "The Miracle of Christmas" musical stage drama. Nov. 12-Jan. 7. Tel: 717-687-7800.
UTAH
Midway: 165 N. Center St. Interfaith Creche Exhibit. Dec 2-5. 11 am-8 pm. Julie Owens: owens-rvalley l@yahoo.com; Holly Zenger: hollyzen@aol.com
FROM OUR READERS
I wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much I liked the Spring 2005 issue ofCreche Herald. It's come a long way. Father Matthew Powell, O.P., Providence, Rhode Island ,i, ,1,
The back cover of the Summer issue brought special delight. There was a photograph of a Nativity my husband brought me in 1987 when he was in Chile for a professional meeting. I had catalogued "Labra" as a city, instead of the artist's name. You have helped me on one of my treasured sets. Anne Honeycutt, Bloomington, Indiana
Paper origami Nativity by Lore Schirokauer belongs to Eugenie Lang, Jamestown, North Dakota. Creche is mounted on card 4-1 /2" x 5".
It was said that almost immediately after the death and resurrection of Christ, Jesus' mother and some of the disciples regularly traced the sorrowful journey to Calvary, stopping prayerfully at places of special significance. Centuries later, returning Crusaders introduced the devotion of the "Stations of the Cross" to Europe where the faithful could visit the holy places in spirit.
In the same devout manner one can observe the 12 days of Christmas-December 25 to January 6-by visiting in spirit the sites associated with the Birth and Infancy of Jesus. Following are twelve stops for your pilgrimage.
I. NAZARETH " you will conceive in your womb and bear a son "
Our Stations of the Creche begin in this village. Here Gabriel gave Mary his astounding announcement that she was to be the mother of God. Currently, the site is marked by the majestic limestone Basilica of the Annunciation. The Basilica replaced a series of early religious buildings starting with a church-synagogue, a Byzantine church built in 427, a Crusader church of 1239, and a modest Franciscan edifice built in 1620.
The current structure is really two super-imposed churches; the lower preserves the grotto remnant of Mary's home along with the remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches. The upper church, which serves as a parish church for the local Palestinian Catholics, has a large opening in the floor through which one can see the grotto below.
II. AIN KARIM " and why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"
Ain Karim presently is within the limits of modern day Jerusalem, but in Jesus' day, it was five miles northwest of the city. The city's name, "Fountain in the Vineyard" derives from the abundant water and vineyards in the locale. Ain Karim is located in a small Judean valley where even today, cypresses and pine trees surround the area in green and shade the houses. It was here that Mary's cousins, Zechariah and Elizabeth, lived, and it was here that Mary stayed after the visitation of the angel.
III. BETHLEHEM " she gave birth to her first-born and wrapped him in swaddling clothes."
As Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem as refugees of a sort, so too, today, there are hundreds of poor refugees living in the area. They still practice the custom of building a room in front of a cave. The cave is warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and in large caves, animals also can be kept at night. It probably was in such a home of a relative that Joseph sought shelter with his pregnant wife, Mary. Their hosts already had given over the "guest area" (often translated as "the inn") to others, so the couple was put up in the cave area with the animals. It was there that Jesus was born. The manger mentioned in the gospel was most likely a storage place for fodder, rather than a feeding place. It was the best and driest place to put the newborn baby.
Venera ted by Christians from earliest times, the grotto was called the cave of light. The Roman emperor Hadrian tried to obliterate the spot with a grove sacred to Adonis, but in 326 Constantine erected a church there. In turn, Justinian, in the
A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:
sixth century, constructed the present church, the oldest in the Holy Land. The Grotto is reached by descending a flight of stone steps to a room, 35 ft by 10 ft. At the east end is a brass star affixed to the stone floor; the inscription reads (in Latin) "Here, of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ was born."
IV. BEIT SAHOUR " there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."
About a mile and a half east of Bethlehem is the village of Beit Sahour (House of the Vigilant), in the middle of the socalled "Boaz Fields," the rich fields of grain mentioned in the Book of Ruth. On the Nativity night, shepherds probably were in the fields, or perhaps gathered in a natural cave there, since converted to a chapel. There also are ruins of a Byzantine church and monastery dating from the fourth century as well as a new tent-like chapel built with funds from Canadian Catholics.
V. JERUSALEM " they brought him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord "
Forty days after the birth of their son, Joseph and Mary walked the seven miles from Bethlehem to the Temple in Jerusalem. They were following a centuries old tradition of "buying back" their child. On the night before the Jews had followed Moses out of Egypt, every first-born male was taken by the angel of death except those of the Hebrew families which had followed the directions prescribed by the Lord. From that time on, every firstborn Hebrew male belonged to the Lord, and had to be "bought back" by means of a sacrifice appropriate to the family's economic circumstance.
At the time the Holy Family made their visit, the Temple was under reconstruction; the Portico of Solomon along the eastern edge was already completed. This would become the favorite preaching spot of the adult Jesus, and probably was the site where the twelve year old encountered the Temple teachers. The structure was destroyed by the Romans in 70A.D.
VI. PETRA "... behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem. "
STATIONS of the CRECHE
To the Hebrews of Jesus' day, "The East" was the territory on the other side of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. In the centuries immediately before and after the birth of Jesus, the area was controlled by an extraordinarily skilled tribe called the Nabateans who were at the height of their power. Their capital was Petra, a city literally hewn out of rock within a ring of almost impenetrable mountains in the Jordanian desert Even today, it can be reached only on foot or horseback.
Night travel in the desert was more comfortable than the hot days, and the Nabateans excelled at using the stars and planets for navigation. It is very possible that a group of them saw the extraordinary celestial event at the birth of the Savior
by Thoma
JOURNEY
STATIONS OF THE CRECHE
A. Stanley
VII. QUBBET RAHIL "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation."
On the northern outskirts of the town of Bethlehem is a small building with a sparkling white dome. It is Qubbet Rahil, the Tomb of Rachel, the traditional burial place of the beloved wife of the patriarch, Jacob. The biblical narrative states that Rachel died at the birth of her son, Benjamin, while on the road leading to Bethlehem. Jacob buried her there, placing a stone to mark the spot. In his gospel account, Matthew ascribes the death of the innocents figuratively to Rachel's Damascus ".
. . and followed the star north from Petra. From there, they would have gone west to Jericho and to Jerusalem where Herod directed them to Bethlehem.
X. SEPPHORIS " being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee."
A Greco-Roman city, sometimes called "the ornament of Galilee," Sepphoris was a large urban area about four miles west of Nazareth, and an hour's walk. In 4 B.C., riots ensued in the city after the death of Herod the Great, and the Romans completely destroyed Sepphoris. But when Herod's son, Herod Antipas, was designated ruler of Galilee, he chose the city for his capital, and began an extensive building program.
The rebuilding program meant the formation of labor pools of men from nearby villages. This meant an opportunity for Joseph and his relatives to earn extra income. Being artisans, they could market in Sepphoris the artifacts they made in Nazareth, and they could hire out their skills in an expanding urban area. This probably necessitated frequent trips back and forth for Joseph and Jesus. A tradition exists that Joachim, Mary's father, was a citizen of Sepphoris.
After the Moslems expelled the Crusaders from the Holy Land, they permitted only those of their faith to enter the tomb. In 1841, Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885), the most famous British Jew of his time, obtained the key for the Jews. Today, the tomb is visited by people of all faiths. According to popular belief, a red thread measured against the tombstone brings good luck; a piece of such thread is often tied around the wrists of brides and newborn infants.
,,I' bewailing Israel's exile in Jeremiah 31: 15f, and that the innocents killed by Herod were the progeny of Benjamin and the descendants of Rachel. Thus Rachel bewails the fate of "her children."
VIII. MATARIEH "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt."
After the visitors from the East had left, Joseph was directed by an angel to take his family to Egypt to save them from Herod. Thus warned, the Holy Family traveled south to Hebron, west to Ashkelon, and then along the Mediterranean coast into Egypt. Eventually, they reached the Nile River and followed it to Matarieh (present day Heliopolis). A legend with possibly some basis
in fact states that at Matarieh, Jesus produced a spring in which Mary washed his clothes . The spring, seen as endowed with marvelous healing powers by both Christians and Moslems, remains, and water is still brought up from its depths by a wheel turned by oxen. A tradition, so ancient and uninterrupted, suggests some divine intervention concerning the spring.
IX. DAIR AL-MUHARRAQ " go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."
As indigent refugees, the Holy Family moved frequently while in Egypt, and numerous places along the Nile claim a temporary presence or legend. The family's final stop was Dair al-Muharraq. Here the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, and told him it was safe to return to the land of Israel.
XI. NAZARETH " he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them."
We now return to Nazareth where the Holy Family settled after the return from Egypt. In Jesus' day, Nazareth had a population of about 200, and was known as an agricultural village. Thus, Joseph, even though he was an artisan, also had to be a part-time farmer. The village is nestled on the side of steep hills, so farming was limited to vineyards, orchards, and especially terrace gardening.
The traditional site of Joseph's home has been preserved. Like Mary's house, it was a cave-house type structure. Archeological excavations indicate the current building stands on the site of an older Crusader church, which in turn, was built on Byzantine ruins.
Saint Joseph's Church stands on the site now. Just north of the structure in the bustling market district is a simple building-the Synagogue Church. There is general agreement that this building stands on the site of Nazareth's synagogue when Jesus lived there. This would have been the place where He attended synagogue activities, learning Scripture and Hebrew, and learning to read and write.
XII. ROME " ... on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased."
This is our final station. Here we have a choice- we could visit the church of Saint Mary Major. Just below the main altar is a small altar, under which is a wooden crib said to have been occupied by Jesus in Bethlehem. Saint Jerome and the early pilgrims to Bethlehem speak of it. Plated over with silver, the crib was brought to Rome in the 12th century.
Or one could visit the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, situated on the Capitoline Hill, the center of ancient Rome. The church was built in 1348 in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for her help in averting a plague. According to tradition, Emperor Augustus saw the apparition of a woman with a child. Pointing to the altar where she was sitting, she said, "Ecce ara primogeniti Dei" (behold the altar of the Firstborn of God)-a prophesy of the coming of our Lord. In the sacristy is housed the venerated statue known as the Bambino dell'Aracoeli.
Reverend Thomas A. Stanley, S.M., S.T.D., is a retired educator, missionary and pastor. He has studied in the Holy Land.
PETRA
MEET A NEW MEXICO CLAY ARTIST
by Mary Herzel
Jil Gurule, a New Mexico artist, lives in a quiet rural village, Alameda, close to Albuquerque, on land that has been in her husband's family since 1692. There she has her clay studio. "I like making the old adobe mission churches of New Mexico and building a Nativity around it," said Gurule, "but I make all kinds ofNativities, some with churches, some without. I try to represent many different aspects of New Mexican life.
"My Nativities are all hand created. I use no molds," said Gurule. As a self taught artist, she does research and goes from there. She uses red earthenware clay, gold leaf to gild certain parts, semi-precious stones and silk ribbons.
"I delight in Native American or Spanish themes; they just come to my mind; then my hands take over," she said. "In my area, there are probably fifty old churches, all within a day's drive. These were all part of the Spanish colonization of the New World which included converting the natives to Christianity." Gurule knows many of the missions that still exist, preserved in ruins or still in use. "Indian pueblos all have a church on their territory," she continued.
Gurule photographs or sketches the adobe churches for her clay work. "In Nativity scenes that include the mission church, I create the church first, and then scale the Native American or Spanish Colonial figures outside the church. The figures can range from 3 to 14 inches high." The number of figures in the scene range from just a few to a whole village scene with thirty to sixty people, plus animals. The figures are active, such as a man driving a cart, or they will be figures kneeling, singing, praying, or bringing presents.
After shaping the figures in clay in a wet form, the clay is dried completely in a kiln heated to 2000 degrees. She doesn't glaze unless she uses 22 karat gold. That requires three firings. She then brush paints the colorful attire on the traditional figures. "I don't use fabrics for the costumes," said Gurule. "I have lots of books on churches, pueblos, costumes, but most of it is just from me, or what I have watched. Nearby, I have Native Americans in their formal dress. I'm lucky to have been invited to some of their private dances, but you don't photograph or sketch them. You take the scene away only in your mind."
The magical moments caught in clay scenes don't always happen easily or quickly. "But the feel of clay and seeing something grow before your eyes as you add or subtract in three dimensions is thrilling," she admitted.
It was about twenty years ago when a friend who knew she was beginning to experiment with clay asked her to make a Nativity for her natural wreath what was to go to the International Folk Art Museum. She accepted the challenge. Now, years later, she is preparing fourteen different Nativities for a show. Her Nativities are sold through a store in Santa Fe.
In 2002, Gurule won the New Mexico Award of Excellence at a juried show of the American Women Artists Association.
"I know that Nativities are loved and are special to many people. It gives me joy to add to that," said this New Mexican artist.
Mary Herzel lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Jil Gurule will demonstrate her craft at the Friends of the Creche national convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in November 2005.
Art and Faith of the Creche
Nativities from the James & Emilia Govan Collection
Art and Faith of the Creche features lush, full-color photography accompanied by James Govan ' s research into the origins of the creche tradition in Europe and traditions around the world.
The Govan Collection is representative of the universality of today's vibrant creche tradition and focuses on contemporary creches, particularly folk art creches, which reflect indigenous cultures around the world.
Hardbound $60.00*
To order, please call 877-767-3572 or e-mail Book@jp2cc.org
*Sh ipping & handling additional
Joseph and Mary tend their Baby in this Nativity scene by Jil Gurule, Alameda, New Mexico.]gurule3@comcast.net
NATIVITY FOCUSED TRAVELS
by Joyce Douglas
The second of two parts describing the Nativity related travels during the past year of Joyce and Max Douglas.
Michigan is another frequent stop for family visits and we knew about two exhibits in the Detroit area. Saint Ronald's Catholic Church in Clinton Township was the venue for Michael Whalen's private Nativity collection. It was very creatively presented, with seasonal, historical and geographical categories. At the Saint Vincent DePaul Society exhibit, donations from attendees helped provide food and shelter for the area's needy.
Ann Arbor was our next destination. Last year was the 22nd inter-faith exhibit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And what an exhibit it was! More than 900 creches from 103 cultures around the world. Children, welcomed with a seek and find game to help them appreciate the uniqueness of each scene, always look forward to the display, according to Betsy Christensen, founder of the inter-faith event.
From Michigan, we visited Max's mother who resides in a retirement home in North Manchester, Indiana, the city where both Max and I had attended Manchester College. Several years ago, we reached an agreement with the college that our Nativity collection, over time, would be donated to them. For the first time in the three years since we have started our donations, we were present for their Christmas display. What made this year so special was that we were donating a Nativity from Mohammed Amin of Ghana to mark the retirement of the college president, Parker Marden. It was a special time to share a part of our collection with college friends, and to honor the retiring president.
While in North Manchester, we visited One World Handcrafts, managed by my college roommate, that features crafts from Third World countries. And as good collectors, we purchased six more Nativities.
On our way back to Denver, we stopped at Des Moines, Iowa, to visit with Dick and Cathy Rehfeldt, new-found friends that we had met on the Creche Herald tour to the International Creche Congress in the Czech Republic. The Rehfeldts have a charming creche collection which included many special hand made sets created by Cathy. What a nice respite on the way home-I even got a new holiday candy recipe as well. As we departed, Cathy directed us west to Adele, Iowa, where we found a beautiful German pewter Nativity wall hanging at the Atherton House.
If you happen to be home for the holidays, seek out special events at churches or other venues that highlight the Nativity. A few years ago, we attended the Interfaith Nativity exhibit at the Church of Latter Day Saints right in our own back yard in Centennial, Colorado. Annually since then, we have been loaning Marty Jensen and Kathy Bullock some of our collection for inclusion in this event.
When you plan your next trip, especially around Christmas, take the time to explore Nativity related activities. A good source is A Guide to Permanent Nativity Displays in the United States and Around the World compiled by Judith Davis for Friends of the Creche. Other possibilities are word of mouth recommendations, local tourist bureaus, and the internet. Whatever you do, take time to explore your special interests. There are wonderful discoveries to be made. Joyce and Max Douglas, Denver Colorado, are avid collectors.
Max and Joyce Douglas commissioned this set by Mohammed Amin, Ghana, in honor of the retirement of Manchester College President, Parker Marden.
THE CRECHE IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS
by Victor Agius
No exact dates are known as to when the creche entered Malta, but most historians agree that the earliest examples show an affinity to the Sicilian presepio. Sicily, the largest island of Italy, is but 60 kilometers away. One of the earliest creches extant on the island is at the Museum of the Cathedral of Mdina where wooden panels with inlaid wooden designs show a Nativity with shepherds dating from about 1482.
From the early 17th century, convents and monasteries in Malta were displaying a creche. The popularity of the creche rose with the presence of the Knights of Saint John and the various religious orders, many of which came from Italy and Sicily. All brought the tradition of constructing a Nativity scene.
Around the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, only the aristocratic and noble families could afford the Nativities which they commissioned from well known European artists. The majority of these creches were elaborately sculpted in wood, ivory and other valuable materials. Simpler forms of creches existed in the monasteries, with backgrounds crafted in papier mache, cork, and plaster, and with figures of clay and papier mache.
The making of the creche and its figures became popular among Maltese artists and craftsmen. Among the most important in the last several centuries were Saverio Laferla, Carlo Darmanin, Giusti, Agostino Camilleri, and Nazzareno Gauci.
In the early 19th century, inexpensive materials started to be used in creche construction, and the elaborate Nativity figures of the early 17th century were replaced by clay figures. Thus, the Maltese traditional creche was now within the means of all classes, and resulted in the spreading of the home Nativity.
At this time, the style of the Maltese creche developed its unique identity mainly in two ways: First, besides the cave or stable, the scenery showed rural panoramas similar to Malta's farm fields, hills, shepherds, and buildings. Second, the clothing of the figures in traditional Maltese garb represented local trades and occupations, such as farmers and shepherds, although, sometimes, characters were borrowed from the Sicilian and Neapolitan creches.
During the 1890s, a large number of huge creche displays were on display for the general public during Christmas, a tradition that is still popular today. From the 1920s, the Society of Christian Doctrine, founded by Father Garg Preca, has been encouraging children to value the mystery of the Incarnation in two ways: processions with Baby Jesus in every Maltese and Gozitan village, and the giving out of mini-creches to children to take home. In the 1930s, a committee was active in Malta to strengthen the culture of the creche and organize competitions and exhibits.
After World War II, a number of foreign customs, such as the Christmas tree, started to replace the creche in Christmas celebrations. Mass produced Nativity figures from
Italy and Spain were imported, and today, the traditional Maltese figures made of clay are almost lost. In the 1980s, two Friends of the Crib Societies were founded, the first in the island of Goza, and the second, a year later, on Malta. Both have contributed toward the encouragement of the creche tradition.
Today, the traditional Maltese creche is being fused with styles coming from northern Europe. Traditional Maltese clothing is being replaced by Biblical style clothing. Where previously, each year most constructed a Nativity scene at home, that is being replaced by the ready made scene. Yet, one can still say that the creche is an integral part of the Christmas festivities for Maltese families.
This article was excerpted from a final thesis researched by the author as part of degree requirements at the University of Malta
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Maltese presepju by Austin Azzopardi, Anton Galea. Costumes, scenery are traditional. Photo by Victor Agius.
THE VOICE
by Catherine Rehfeldt
"What do you and Dick look for when shopping for creches?" I was asked recently. "What criteria guide your decisions?"
Although we may deliberate over such purchases, the answer to these questions required no thought at all. Simply put, a creche has to "speak" to us.
And that "speaking" is, in many ways, as immediate and thought-free as my answer to the questions about criteria. Over the years, it has simply been the "voice within" that has set the shape of our collection. Yes, we have seen many Nativities that have spoken loud and clear-some have even screamed-but their price or size has held us back from the next step of purchasing.
We do not have a set-in-stone, do-not-exceed price, but we know what is beyond our means financially and spatially. Thus, there are a number of creches we possess in memory only. But to be honest, when it comes to size, the "voice" always adds an encouraging word, "Not to worry-you'll find a spot for it."
What is it that speaks? It is, I suppose, something of an emotional response that's informed by aesthetics and theology. It's the lines and curves of the figures, the variety of medium, the different and cultural interpretations of the Nativity story. Over the thirty years the collection spans, that voice has not changed, although it has become more defined and selective.
Dick and I feel fortunate that we have a common interest in things related to the Nativity. It makes looking for creches a special experience we share. It also means that almost always the voice speaks the same to each of us. There are times, however, when the voice speaks louder to just one of us and only as a whisper to the other, but at such times, how can a whisper dispute an affirming acclamation?
What all this means is that Dick and I do not look for Nativities; we look at them. And when we do, we listen. Catherine and Richard Rehfeldt are collectors in Des Moines, Iowa.
CHARLES CARRILLO AT NATIONAL CONVENTION
by Susan Topp Weber
New Mexico is indeed the Land of Enchanting Nativities. Friends of the Creche is fortunate to have Charlie Carrillo discuss how this came to be. Charlie is the standard bearer of the hispanic traditions of the Southwest, and chief among those traditions is a devotion to Christianity on a remote frontier, and its introduction to the pueblo villages the Spanish found there.
Charlie's family has been in New Mexico since earliest colonial times, and he has been a santero or saint maker since 1977. Not only is he a prize winning artist, he also is a recognized historian and scholar, with a doctorate in Spanish Colonial Archeology from the University of New Mexico. His work is in the collections of the Smithsonian, the Denver Art Museum, the King of Spain, and the Bill Clinton Presidential Collection, among others.
In the 1980s, Charlie and other santeros sought to reintroduce the historical materials in making the santos. Charlie's research documented the techniques which ultimately changed the santos from a simple craft to major works of art desired by museums and serious collectors.
Carrillo designed the logo of the Friends of the Creche national convention. He has written over a hundred articles and several books, including Saints of the Pueblos, which shows his original retablos of each pueblo's saint, trimmed with design elements from that pueblo. That book, plus a biography of Carrillo will be offered for sale at the national convention. Susan Topp Weber, Santa Fe, New Mexico, chairs the Friends of the Creche National Convention, November 9-11, 2005.
* * ,!,
CRECHE HERALD NEWSMAKER
Milan Zabransky, Prague, Czech Republic, is profiled at his home along with his unique Nativities, including many special paper ones. Visit him at the Internet's Crechemania: http://crechemania.com/php/modules.php?name=Conteud o&pa=list_pages_categories&cid= 12.
'* *"*
SEARCHING
Kirk Klebe is looking for figures that are from Nativity sets sold in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. If you think you can help, contact him at 2405 Foster Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224-3633. He will be most appreciative.
???? and Comments
Q. How can I get information about the value of some older pieces I have?
A. Try the Collectors' Information Bureau, an organization that tracks the secondary market There might be a fee They are at: 77 W. Washington St., Ste 1716, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel:312-236-3900, fax 312-236-3927 www.collectorsinfo.com; email: askcib@collectorsinfo.com
A "mechanical" creche from the Czech Republic "spoke" w the Rehfeldts.
TWO MAJOR EVENTS EVOLVE FROM A DOZEN CRECHES
by Tim Goldrick
The LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts has had a Festival of Lights since 1956. In 1988, I approached them with an idea: how about my setting up a small collection of creches from around the world? It would be a symbiotic relationship. My creches would have a chance to be out of their storage boxes; some Shrine visitors might be interested, and perhaps the creche display would add something to the Festival of Lights. And so it began.
But the exhibit began slowly-only a dozen or so creches displayed simply on inexpensive burlap-covered banquet tables. At first people couldn't even find the exhibit, which was in a nearby theater building, so we put out signs. The following year, more creches were added, and even more were added after that. Settings became more elaborate, often using natural materials and textiles from the countries represented . We provided volunteer guides with a list of the creches, their backgrounds, and answers to the most frequently asked questions. Special wooden stepped shelving was constructed and arranged in a kind of zigzag configuration so that the largest number of sets could be attractively displayed in the smallest space.
Before long, the Shrine's "International Creche Display" became a destination of its own. Lines formed, even in bad weather. In a large window of the theater building, we exhibited a miniature mechanical Christmas Village (including a creche, of course) so that visitors would have something to look at while awaiting entrance. Usually, I would mingle with the crowds to see and hear reactions to help in future planning.
And so it went for ten years. By this time, I really wanted to exhibit in my own home town. Another collector and good friend, Eileen Canty, kindly took over the Shrine creche project, and I concentrated on my home town of Assonet Village.
In 1999, "Christmas in the Village" was inaugurated. We set up a planning committee consisting of members from both Saint Bernard Catholic Church and the United Church of Assonet. The centerpiece was the creche exhibit, set up at my church's function room, and since United Church has a srage, we added concerts, lectures, and story telling to the program. We already had an ecumenical youth theater group, so we encouraged the youngsters ro write their own Christmas Nativity play based upon the story of the French santons; the play was presented in the Saint Bernard Church sanctuary.
That first year, just as the curtain was about to go up on the children's Nativity play, the little girl playing Mary asked, "But aren't I supposed ro have a baby in my arms?" Good grief! We had forgotten Baby Jesus! Luckily, there happened to be a young family with a new baby visiting in my rectory. "Would your baby like to go into show business," I asked nonchalantly. The answer was "yes." In a few minutes, I was back on stage with the newborn The baby did very well at his stage debut-never even awoke-and consequently was recruited to play the same role at his sister's school the following week.
"Christmas in the Village" began as a month-long celebration. We found however, that by Christmas, our volunteers were burned out. We cut back first to a week-long schedule, and finally to one weekend. We purposely hold our event now the very weekend before Christmas to counter the merchandising hype that claims that time is for frantic mall shopping.
The planning committee works eleven months out of the year getting ready for the weekend. We try to include activities that will appeal to all ages, and also try to keep the program fresh by constantly adding new attractions. The creche exhibit is still center stage, with the mechanical Christmas Village at the town historical society. We provide local restaurants with paper placemats printed with our schedule of events, advertise in local newspapers, church bulletins, and most effectively, by word of mouth. Our website is: www.christmasinthevillage.org
It's been five years now for "Christmas in the Village." We have had master storytelling, exhibits of antique Christmas ephemera, world-wide givers of Christmas in full costume, family photo-ops, concerts, theater presentations, horse-drawn hay rides, creche craft sessions for the little ones, food services, and a creche shop. There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted. We tithe any profits with "Our Sister's Place," a local shelter for battered women and children.
Last year, we added a "Living Nativity" with the help of our teenagers. The framework of a lean-to was constructed in the parking lot, and teams of young people were dressed in biblical garb. A farmer nearby generously offered a few old goats for the manger scene. Unfortunately, the goats were not as decrepit as we all thought They soon jumped out of the manger, and went leaping through the parking lot, chased by teenage boys regally dressed as Magi.
This year, a fourth site will be added to "Christmas in the Village." A local private school for the handicapped is building an accessible tree house. To transport passengers to the tree house we shall use a narrow gauge train rescued from an amusement park. We envision Saint Nicholas in the tree house, and the various saints of Christmas in costume greeting arriving train passengers. Work already has started in getting billboards with the legends of the saints.
As to the LaSalette Shrine? They have been having such great success with their "International Nativity Exhibit" that they actually are planning to raze the old theater and construct a new building to house a permanent exhibit.
So-
If you want to have your own neighborhood event, start with one good attraction. Creches are perfect Encourage local churches, institutions or organizations to join in. Think creatively and never give up. Work together using a consensus model. Tap into local talent as much as possible. Welcome people of all ages as volunteers; all have a talent to contribute. Advertise, advertise, advertise, and don't forget the follow-up publicity Evaluate your program after the event. Then, begin early on planning for the following year. Most of all, have fun.
Remember, both of the above major events evolved from just twelve small creches on a burlap covered table.
When not embarking upon a new Nativity related event, Tim Goldrick is pastor of Saint Bernard Church, Assonet , Massachusetts.
THE CAMEL DRIVER WHO WOULD BE KING
by John Ohlenddorf
When I retired from teaching, I moved to Bourbonnais, Illinois, to be closer to my family. There I joined the Roman Catholic community of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Church. Shortly thereafter, a friend, who chaired the Commission on Art and Environment for the parish, invited me to join the group. Knowing of my collection of creches, she put me in charge of arranging the display of the church's Nativity scene the following Christmas.
My first task was to see what we had. I was puzzled to find that there seemed to be only two kings. As I searched in vain for the third king, our pastor stopped by so I explained the problem to him.
"There it is," he said pointing to one of the figures.
"That's not a king," I replied, "that's the camel driver." (Although, truth to tell, there was no camel either).
"How do you know he's not a king?" the pastor persisted. "He looks like a king to me."
Giving the figure a scornful look, I explained, "The man is barefoot; he's wearing a drab brown robe and a simple turban." Then I delivered what I considered the coup de grace, "He's not carrying any kind of gift in his hands."
Seeking information from more knowledgeable members of the parish, I was told that the missing king had been shattered beyond repair and that, instead of replacing the piece, the lowly camel driver had been promoted to third king!
Well, since it was too late to do anything about it that year, I did allow the camel driver to continue his impersonation. However, I vowed that his days of glory were not to continue much longer. I tried explaining to the pastor that technically in our parish we should be celebrating January 6, not as the Feast of the Three Kings, but as the Feast of the Two Kings and a Camel Driver. Despite my most eloquent arguments, he was not convinced of the immediate necessity of purchasing a new king. For myself, I am ashamed to admit that I let several years go by before arriving at what should have been an obvious solution.
I finally decided that not only would we replace the one king, but we would purchase three new kings, as well as a camel and driver, and a hanging angel (ours had tried to actually fly one year, but had crashed and burned.) And the purchasing solution was a stroke of pure inspired genius, I had to admit. Parishioners were asked to donate toward these items in memory of a family member or friend. Enough money soon was accumulated to buy everything we needed.
However, once the new figures arrived, we were left with two elderly kings and a "pseudo king," now once more demoted to camel driver. As no one wanted them, and I had donated toward the new figures, the old ones were given to me. Their size matched that of a Holy Family I had bought several years ago. However, these figures needed badly to be repainted, and as it turned out, at no small cost. My only instruction to the local artist awarded the contract was, "This barefoot fellow in the dull brown robe must be made to look like a king, for I am granting him his wish to be elevated permanently to that position." The results far exceeded my expectations.
So, if there is a moral to my story it is that, yes, a humble man can, in time, with patience and luck, become a king.
John Ohlendorf says he has given up king rnaking--temporarily.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Friends of the Creche National Convention Santa Fe, New Mexico November 9-11, 2005
REGISTRATION NUMBERS: The Convention C o mmittee has increased the maximum number of registrations to 240
HOTEL ROOMS: There are a limited number of rooms still available at La Fonda, the convention headquarters. Once those rooms are gone, La Fonda will refer callers to two nearby hotels, which will be holding rooms for our attendees.
JEMEZ TOURS: Spaces on the tour which includes lunch in a Pueblo home sold out in February. A very limited number of seats remain on vans for the trip to Jemez that does not include lunch. The cost for this trip is $40 per person.
SANTA FE CITY TOUR: There are a very limited number of seats on buses for the city tour. Once those seats are gone, the only remaining option will be the walking tour. The cost for either tour is $15.
Santa Fe Convention Committee
NOW AVAILABLE: Creche Herald Index. 1997-2004. $11 including postage. Send to Creche Herald, 11 7 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511.
This splendidly regal figure-with gift-in the collection of John Ohlendorf has metamorphosed from his previous life as a camel driver.
This unusual creche by Japan born sculptor, Tomoaki Suzuki , will appear December 2005 in Trafalgar Square, London, England , at the church of Saint Martin-inthe-Fields. The 12 figures are third life sized painted limewood carvings. They will be arranged in a transparent case, to be displayed on a low plinth. The models represent different ethnic groups: Middle Eastern; Caucasian; African, and Asian. Simple, timeless costumes, designed by fashion designer Jessica Ogden, will be carved in wood and painted by the sculptor. Suzuki's commission was awarded as part of a competition to replace a Nativity destroyed in 2003. Photo courtesy of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields.
INTERACTIVE DISPLAY AT THE SAINT }AMES CATHEDRAL, TORONTO, CANADA
by Nancy Mallett
In our annual Nativity exhibit at the Archives and Museum of the Saint James Cathedral, we limit the selection on view to about 125 at any one time. We try not to overwhelm the visitor, although we have access to a large private collection of nearly 2000 creches from which to choose. Admission is by donation.
Our exhibit appeals to people of all ages. Parents of small children like to sit in an armchair by the Christmas tree with their children in their laps and read from our wide selection of Nativity related books. Other children like to play with creche pieces set out for them under the tree, while still others might climb on the back of a large donkey, ox, or even a lamb. Older children compete in a scavenger hunt where they have to hunt for the Babe wrapped in a quilt, or where a villager has brought some pineapples as a gift. They have to name the country where that particular creche was made, and then find it on a map of the world. Many like to sketch or photograph a favorite creche, while there are those who create their own at the clay modeling center in a corner of the room.
Groups can arrange for private viewings. Tours also can be extended to include refreshments and a tour of the Cathedral whose history reaches back to the 1 790s.
Open: December 1-23; 27-29, 2005. 1 p.m to 4 p.m. Website information: www.stjamescathedral.on.ca or email at archives@stjamescathedral.on.ca.
Nancy Mallett is chair of the Archives and Museum Committee.
This papier mache Holy Family, standing in a cave-like structure with a donkey and a dog, was made in Cuba. Collection of the Saint James Cathedral, Toronto, Canada.
