During this year’s trips to Germany, Maria Rosenfeld, CEO and President of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and Sandra Richardson, VP of Cultural Programs, visited the talented woodworkers and glassblowers who showcase their extraordinary craftsmanship in the Market’s Werkstatt (Workshop). This unique opportunity fosters cultural exchange and preserves centuries-old techniques that face extinction in a rapidly evolving world.
Time slows down inside the Werkstatt as artists and visitors come together, appreciating diverse cultures and exploring ways to keep traditions alive for future generations. But what is it like to visit the Werkstatt artisans in their hometowns? Find out in this blog post!
Anja is a master of woodcarving and painting. Her distinctive creations, "Holzgestalten” (wooden shapes), blend traditional techniques with a contemporary flair. Sandra visited Anja in her workshop, Holzegestalten Anja Werner, in Plauen, Saxony. Seeing the Werkstatt artisans in action in their own space lends a special perspective to what is possible in the Market’s Werkstatt. Sandra learned about Anja’s latest projects, watched her teach kids how to use a saw, and collaborated on new additions to this year’s Market engagement opportunities.
At the BSZ1 Erzgebirge vocational training school in Seiffen, the Department of Technology offers courses for aspiring wooden toy makers. Students learn to craft unique or mass-produced pieces of traditional Erzgebirge folk art, including Christmas pyramids, smokers, nutcrackers, music boxes, figurines, and children's toys. The program spans approximately three years and combines practical training at local companies with theoretical instruction at the school.
During their visit to the school, Maria and Sandra met with instructors and students and witnessed captivating demonstrations. This year, students from BSZ1 Erzgebirge will participate in the Market, showcasing their woodworking skills in the Werkstatt.
Ringo Müller is the skilled fourth-generation owner of Müller Kleinkunst in Seiffen, Saxony. Müller products have been cherished by families in Germany and beyond for over a century, serving as beloved holiday decorations. Sandra and Maria were invited for an exclusive tour of his state-of-the-art manufacturing site. During the visit, they met with woodturners, students, painters, and seasoned specialists,. The process of crafting smokers, Christmas pyramids, and Schwibbogen takes skill, passion, and careful planning. The Market is proud to welcome Ringo each year during opening weekend. New this year is Ringo’s presence at Wundernacht with an array of Carmel Seiffen Sister City creations he’ll even autograph for you to add to your collection!
In 2017, 2018, and 2019, Christian and Andreas Werner of Werner Reifentiere played a pivotal role in establishing the Market and Werkstatt program. Their creation of wooden rings from tree stumps, followed by the ceremonial unveiling of the shapes concealed within, remains a cherished memory for visitors and team members alike. Many Market visitors proudly display wooden animals in their homes, reminders of those genuinely enchanting experiences. The Werner’s' small, old-world workshop is the last commercial production site where tire animals are traditionally handcrafted and sold worldwide. Its rustic workbenches, delightfully creaky stairs, and floor-to-ceiling shelves tell the stories of centuries-old wood-turning history. Sandra and Maria prioritized visiting Christian and Andreas, as well as their families, to deepen this long-established friendship.
Nestled in the Alpine foothills, the village of Oberammergau is home to Markus Wagner, the last remaining woodcarver of the Oberammergauer Schnürlkasperl cooperative. Getting to know the artisans in their hometowns is a true gift and deepens our understanding of the culture and possibilities within our Market’s mission.
Markus proudly shared the history of Oberammergau and its long-standing traditions in wood sculpting, carving, glass art, fresco paintings, and much more during Sandra and Maria’s visit this year. As an active community member, Markus supports the local museum, woodworking school, the world-famous Passion Play, local workshops, and introduced our team to other artists who might be interested in joining the Werkstatt program.
As the strings of his beloved jumping jacks are pulled, these charming creations come to life and deepen the conversations between Markus and Werkstatt visitors. We look forward to welcoming Markus for the third year this season.
Maria first met the father-son duo, famous for their exquisite hand-carved nativity scenes and wooden sculptures, in the summer of 2022. During the next two Market seasons, the Seitfudems showcased their artistry in the Market’s Werkstatt and captured the hearts of our visitors. This year, Sandra and Maria were able to catch up with both artisans in their homes and learn about their woodwork.
Hans-Joachim Seitfudem is renowned across Europe for his ability to create large-scale wood sculptures, life-size nativity sets, and custom creations for clients and organizations worldwide. Joachim Seitfudem has a distinct talent for transforming tree trunks into captivating masterpieces that evolve from his personal experiences and extensive travels. Joachim uses various materials to fully express his vision through woodworking.
Among the highlights of the Christmas season are exquisite glass-blown ornaments, a traditional craft from the renowned glassblowing village of Lauscha, Germany. Lauscha is globally celebrated for its exceptional artisans and the birthplace of hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments. This particular craft is now a UNESCO World Heritage trade.
In 2023, the Market was privileged to host two glassblowers from Lauscha, Falk Bauer and Katrin Zapf, who brought their extraordinary craftsmanship to the Market’s Werkstatt. Falk made a name for himself by creating entomology expert-approved glass insects. At the Werkstatt, visitors have had the unique opportunity to witness the magic of glassblowing and the transformation of molten glass into beautiful hummingbirds and bumble bee mementos.
This year, Maria and Sandra visited Falk and Katrin at their home and in their Werkstatt to dive a bit deeper into the history of glassblowing and to make plans for the upcoming season at the Market. The hospitality of Thuringia is warm and welcoming. Maria and Sandra enjoyed traditional grilled Thuringian food and the company of Falk and Katrin’s families and friends. This partnership is near and dear to all our hearts and we look forward to welcoming Falk and Katrin again in 2024.
We can’t wait for you to meet many of these artisans in our Werkstatt! Be sure to check our schedule closer to opening day on November 23 to plan your visit to see them!
