4th Annual Made in Minnesota Ornament Show
Now through December 31st 2006
There are many perspectives on the history of the Christmas ornament. One is that they originated from witch balls, an ornament placed on the tree to help prevent “gift envy” of the packages beneath the tree—things like burlap shirts and fresh bedding hay. Another legend states that Martin Luther decorated the first Christmas tree with candles as entertainment for children during the 16th century in Germany. It was OK for children to play with fire back then because they didn't have PlayStation. Ornaments on early trees were also said to be symbolic of the Paradise Tree in the Garden of Eden. Apples, and, later, Communion wafers were used as decoration, as well as candies, fruit, paper flowers, hard cookies or pastries and tinsel. Apparently mice weren't a big issue.
 Glass ornaments originated in Germany under the influence of Venetian glass blowers. With growing popularity due to the travels of Queen Victoria, elegant ornaments gradually migrated to other countries, becoming fashionable in America in the mid-1800s. The tradition of the ornament and its introduction to our country by immigrants is generally unknown or overlooked in the chaos of the holidays.
Nevertheless, Made in Minnesota, the 4th Annual Ornament Show held at Clay Squared to Infinity, builds on the past while developing new traditions in this exhibit of one-of-a-kind ornaments that are delightful, eye-catching and artsy. Both new and experienced collectors will find something to get excited about. The pieces rise far above mass-produced resin characters and boxes of identical glass bulbs in trendy colors. Hallmark has nothing on these ornaments.
The exhibit displays an assortment of ornaments by more than thirty locally and nationally recognized artists, ranging from conventional to kitschy (the ornaments that is, not necessarily the artists). Shoppers will find themselves muttering, “I want this one, and this one ... and this one ...” These pieces aren't just holiday ornaments, they’re individual works of art that can grace a tree or be displayed year round.
The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict are back at Clay Squared with their traditional array of handmade ornaments in glass, paper, wax and crochet, to name a few. Proceeds from their sales go back to the community programs they serve.
Robin Getsug Taple’s collection incorporates vintage advertising on pillow-like sachets, and at the other end of the spectrum are Susan Esbjornson’s mixed media goddess figures. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and she declares that they are “femme, fun and festive.”
As a talented tile maker and mosaic artist, Sheryl Tuorila has taken a different approach to her ornaments this year by creating “Miniature Miracles,” religious icons with a twist. Each incorporates a religious image, as well as “words of wisdom” for the (lucky) recipient. Also notable are the blown egg ornaments with delicately painted vine imagery created by Ingrid Restemayer.
All of the pieces in this show are excellent, and visitors will recognize the names of many well-known artists. Mediums run from clay and stone, to polymer and paper. There is an ornament to suit everyone's tastes, and the prices are reasonable. The 4th Annual Ornament Show runs until December 31. These miniature works of art move quickly, so make your shopping trip to Clay Squared a priority. ||
The 4th Annual Ornament Show runs through Dec. 31 at Clay Squared to Infinity, 34 13th Ave. NE, Mpls. 612-781-6409 or claysquared.com. Gallery hours are Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The featured ornaments are by Pam Belding.
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