Public invited to National Friends of the Creche convention

SALT LAKE CITY -- Area residents are invited to participate in what is being billed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience Thursday, Friday and Nov. 14 at the Radisson Hotel, 215 W. South Temple, in Salt Lake City.

It's the national convention of the Friends of the Creche, which organizers say is being held here for the first, and possibly the only, time.

A French word meaning crib, crîche is believed to be the word most often used in reference to Nativity displays depicting the humble birth of the Christ child.

"This is the first time this organization has held a convention in the Mountain West," said Holly Zenger, event chairwoman. "The conventions are held primarily in the East. I don't think they'll be back."

All those with any interest in the crîche -- be it collectors, scholars or simply enthusiasts -- are invited to join the national organization for all or part of the three-day event.

"Anyone who loves or owns or collects Nativity scenes is invited to attend," Zenger said.

The Friends of the Creche was organized in 1999, and Zenger was a founding member.

She is the inspiration behind a thousand-piece Nativity scene displayed annually in her hometown of Midway, as well as others in Palo Alto, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. She's also known for her Nativity collections.

This is the fifth biennual convention the group has held since its inception.

This year's theme is "Follow His Star."

Members of the public may participate in all three days of the convention for $200, which includes membership in the group. Friday-only participation is $60.

Friday's program includes a keynote address by Father Johann Roten, director of the International Marian Research Institute and Marian Library at the University of Dayton in Ohio, which houses the largest collection of Nativity scenes in the United States; a discussion by Provo artist Brian Kershisnik, who is featured at the convention; lunch and a Bible clothes fashion show; discussion on the history of stained glass and how it is used to depict the Nativity; information about creating items for Nativity displays; a demonstration on how to dress up a Nativity scene; and a demonstration on baking Christmas stollen.

The public may attend for free, on a limited basis, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14. Free exhibits include a Friends of the Creche members' museum, Midway's 1,000-piece Bethlehem scene, Walter Whipple's Polish Nativity Collection, antique nativity scenes, a display of a 17-foot-by-6-foot Nativity painting by Kershisnik, and Nativity drawings and artwork by Utah schoolchildren.

A "Manger Mart" and a number of vendors of Nativity scenes and Nativity-related items will also be on hand.

Zenger said she believes a number of residents along the Wasatch Front likely would be interested in membership.

"I find people all the time who are collectors or who just really love the Nativity," she said. "I kind of wonder if people are searching for that kind of thing."

Zenger said people get emotional about the look they see on the baby's face or the look on Mary's face in particular Nativity scenes.

She said the interdenominational Friends of the Creche is made up of about 60 percent Catholics, 35 percent Protestants and 5 percent members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For the 200 or so convention participants from throughout the United States and Canada, the conference will begin with a "meet the Mormons" question-and-answer period as well as a rehearsal performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Information distributed by the group states that Christians, for centuries, have been interested in the stable scene.

"From the third century forward, the birth of Jesus has been celebrated in Bethlehem," it states.

Over the centuries, there have been carvings on sarcophagi and paintings on walls.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with adding live animals to traditional scenes, it states.

Spanish missionaries brought the art of carving saints.

Each culture has added a new dimension, states the information. "One unifying theme is that the Christ Child is at the center."

The organization's mission statement is to promote crîche tradition.

Its goals are:

SBlt To learn more about the development and expression of the crîche tradition within the United States and other cultures.

SBlt To make more known the various crîche traditions.

SBlt To provide research and information about the crîche tradition.

SBlt To encourage all forms of aesthetic expression of the crîche tradition.

SBlt To encourage relationships with other crîche associations, groups and societies here and abroad.

The group stays active all year with quarterly publications and other communications.

For more information, go to friendsofthecreche.org. Click the blue box for a printable registration form or e-mail fotc2009ut@gmail.com.

Those wishing to reserve a spot also may call (435) 654-6604.

Zenger said anyone who alerts her by Wednesday afternoon will be able to attend the entire conference or Friday only.