Local Artists Display Talents in Garmisch Community Art Show

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Local Artists Display Talents in Garmisch Community Art Show

Local Artists Display Talents in Garmisch Community Art Show

By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (April 16, 2018) – Sprawled on one of the tables at the 4th Annual Garmisch Community Art Show were leather goods that combined a boy’s fascination with tales of Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, and 31-year love of 17th to 18th century history.

“My primary interest is in reenactment or ‘living history,’ which I have been doing for about 31 years,” said Randy Richau, security officer at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and who is a 24-year U.S. Army veteran. “I try to make them as accurate as possible, using natural materials, and my work is based off of historical items such as saddle bags, ammo pouches, knife sheaths, belts, bottle covers…anything that was made from leather during those time periods.”

Richau was one of 15 local artists who showcased their talent in charcoal, photography, felting, American Indian crafts, drawing and painting at the art show held April 14 at the Pete Burke Community Center on Artillery Kaserne.

“I think it’s amazing,” Liz Holser, one of the Marshall Center’s budget technicians, who was talking about the art show. “I am so overwhelmed by all the talent that is here in our small community.”

Organized by four local artists in the community, this year’s art show saw more than 200 visitors during the two-hour event.

“We really had a big turnout this year with the number of visitors and artists,” said Connie Trautmann, protocol specialist at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, who was one of the organizers of the art show. “We had artists from all over the community to include local nationals.”

The Garmisch Military Community consists members and families of the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria-Garmisch Community, Marshall Center, NATO School and Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. 

The other three organizers were: Dorry Hummer, art teacher at the Garmisch Elementary and Middle School; Cynthia Wilson, Marshall Center’s protocol chief; and, Craig Coder, one of the Marshall Center’s program planners.

These organizers and other local artists meet once a week at the Garmisch Elementary and Middle School to work on their craft, socialize and enjoy a potluck dinner.

Wilson became a part of the team when she visited the show two years ago, and decided to begin watercolor painting.

While looking at the pieces Wilson displayed at the art show, Tim Waldmann, a contractor who works at the Marshall Center, couldn’t believe that she had only been doing it for two years.

“The talent here is so…I just can’t describe it in words,” said Waldmann, who was displaying his and his son’s street-art made with spray paint, markers and stencils. “I am impressed with all the artwork displayed here. Everyone here is pretty talented.”

To give this show more of a special night-out atmosphere, the Garmisch Community and Spouses Club donated drinks and snacks in cute creative shapes.

Connie’s husband, Helmut, made a keen observation. “This is such a wonderful evening. Everyone has been socializing and really getting to know each other.”