DECEMBER 2007

TREASURES FROM A SECRET VALLEY

Museo ItaloAmericano, Building C

During the Renaissance era, woodcarvers in an exquisite, rock-rimmed valley hidden in the Dolomite range in the Italian Alps started carving and painting nativity scenes, also known as presepi or crèches. Artisans began to display the presepi during the holidays. Visitors to the Val Gardena (Gardena Valley) discovered the crèches and word spread to the outside world.

More than 400 hundred years later, the handcrafted nativity tableaus have global fame and are exhibited in many European cities. The Museo ItaloAmericano in Fort Mason Center is extending the holiday tradition of displaying nativity scenes to the US with its exhibit, “Presepi of Val Gardena.”

Many homes and businesses in Ortisei, a Val Gardena community, display nativity scenes during the holidays. Streets, windows, markets, and public squares glow with the golden lights used to illuminate the colorful tableaus. Talented artists from the Ortisei School of Art and Selva Gardena create and paint many nativity scenes throughout the year in preparation for the grand displays and traveling shows.

Traditional symbols and elements found in presepi include the manger containing the infant Jesus, his mother Mary, a beautiful angel with golden wings and white robes, shepherds, and the three wise men. The Val Gardena artisans embellish these symbols with personal creative touches to create unique and compelling nativity scenes. These artists are continuing a tradition that began in the 13th century when St. Francis of Assisi built a large crèche to celebrate Christmas mass.

Discover a splendid holiday tradition at the Museo ItaloAmericano’s “Presepi of Val Gardena” exhibit. During the first two weeks of December, master carver Leo Moroder gives carving demonstrations at the Museo. For details, see Ongoing Programs and www.museoitaloamericano.org. Visit www.gardena-art.com for more information about the nativity scenes.

— Claudia Willen