Import Haus

• Import Haus – featuring imported steins, linens, and other gift items.  Master woodcarver Berndt Fehrenbach will be displaying Black Forest Cuckoo clocks and other wares. 

New in 2009:  Through an exclusive arrangement with Build-a-Bear we feature our mascot raccoons in stuffed animal form!

 

  

  

 

 

       Scherenschnitt by Gudi Wittgen 

The 44th German-American Festival welcomes Gudrun (Gudi) Wittgen of Hillsdale, Michigan demonstrating the art of "Scherenschnitt" or paper cutting on Saturday and Sunday in the Import Haus.

The art of paper cutting, scherenschnitt or silhouette cutting begins with a piece of black paper and little scissors. According to Gudi "I have to be very precise and certainly don't have the same freedom as the artist with a brush or a potter with clay. If you snip through a line or do something not quite right, there is no way to repair it and you must start over!" she adds that "the black paper and scissors bring the art to life"

The art form began in the Far East several thousand years ago. It captured the public's fancy in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Gudi is self-taught in the art. Upon immigrating to the United States, she discovered that scherenschnitte was not a well-known art. She concentrated on introducing this exquisite form to the American public through workshops, presentations and programs.

Her works have been included in many publications, displayed in many galleries and museums and are held in many private collections. she has appeared on many television programs demonstrating paper cutting.

We welcome her to our Festival!