Five years ago was the beginning of Christkindlmarkt Door County in Sister Bay. Always cautious about new festivities, especially in historic settings, I bawked at the idea. Years later, the event coordinator, John Nelson, reminded me that I had directly told him he was over-doing it by overly commercializing this little rural setting. I guess I was pretty rude to him.
Sorry about that, John. I was wrong. Very wrong.
Christkindlmarkt has become a beautiful celebration for holiday traditions. The chill of November and December is a part of it all. So, everybody bundles up.
I humbly asked to participate for the second year and all the following years. My spot was in the old Pickers Cabin. Only six people could fit inside at once. Tall guys became instantly claustrophobic.
Then, last year, the event’s merchandise manager, Lisa O Hearn, introduced herself to me and asked if I would be interested in doing the artwork for the annual collectors’ mug.
“Are you serious?” Yes, I was so flattered to be asked.
Over the winter ,she and I worked closely to create my impression of the beautiful Christmas feeling Christkindlmarkt has in the moonlight. She asked me to include the alpacas, and people enjoying the celebration.
Maybe in the moonlight…Maybe people with big fluffy hats and layers of warm clothing.
It was right up my alley….in terms of subject matter.
After several rough drafts, finally, a sweet little watercolor emerged to wrap around a white mug.
Then, it was out of my hands.
Would it work? I was very nervous. Lots of challenges for Lisa to deal with…the tariffs were an obstacle to using the usual company in China. She found a great connection in Germany. Probably, even a better choice, as Germany has a great reputation for quality.
The mugs have arrived in Sister Bay.
They look fabulous.
Thank you for this little partnership, Lisa and John. Also, huge thanks to many volunteers who help keep this festival going. Many local artists and craftsmen to meet. Delicious food.
Nine days of celebration.
And a Kari Anderson collectors’ mug!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Watercolor artist Kari Anderson was born in 1956 in Decorah, Iowa. She grew up near Madison in rural Cottage Grove. Her education post high school was an associate degree in Commercial Art from Madison Area Technical College. In 1980 she married Paul Witalison. Their home is a one room Schoolhouse built in 1907, near Jacksonport. Her work is recognized by many who admire her Door County Lighthouse Series prints, her wintertime watercolors and an extensive line of watercolor note cards. Visit her website to learn more: KariAndersonWatercolors.com
Kari Lee Anderson, 6844 County Road A, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin 54209
