Own a vintage crèche made by the renowned Brasstown Carvers Hope Brown, Helen Gibson, Ray Mann, and Martha Coffey. This expansive scene includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, two cherubs, three wisemen, three shepherds, two camels (one standing, one laying) one laying donkey, and one standing cow. 30% of the proceeds of this item will go to the Brasstown Carving program.

Measurements are as follows (LxWxH):
Laying donkey: 3 x 1 x 2.5
Laying lamb: 2 x 1 x 2
Cherubs: 1.5 x 1.5 x 3
Laying Camel: 6 x 2 x 3.5
Baby: 3 x 1.5 x 1.5
Kneeling Wisemen: 2 x 2 x 4.5
Standing Wiseman: 2 x 1.5 x 7
Standing Bull: 5 x 1.5 x 3
Joseph: 1.5 x 2 x 5
Mary: 1.5 x 1.5 x 4.5
Kneeling Shepherd: 2 x 1.5 x 4.5
Standing Camel: 6 x 1.5 x 6
Shepherd with Cane: 2 x 1.5 x 8
Shepherd with Lamb: 2 x 1.5 x 6

Material(s): Oak

Artist Name: Hope Brown, Helen Gibson, Ray Mann, and Martha Coffey

Artist Bio: Helen Gibson is a Brasstown Carver in the famed local tradition, and was the Folk School’s Resident Woodcarver for several years. She studied with Jack Hall and is one of the few instructors who still carves and teaches the Brasstown Nativity figures she illustrates in her books, “Carving the Nativity” and “The Animals of the Nativity.” These, along with her books on carving Moses and St. Francis of Assisi, depict her highly detailed style of carving in the round. Helen teaches workshops throughout the Southeast.

Hope Brown’s first carving was a cat in cherry wood. Her and her husband Glenn carved together and created their own patterns and made them available to the Folk School for other carvers. Hope corrected and updated caring patterns for the school, providing examples of the various carving stages from the block to finished work. Hope designed and carved everything from cardinals to mockingbirds, dolphins to Dobermans, and fish to tigers. Her most difficult piece is her standing angel, for which she is nationally known. Hope and Glenn both loved to carve with walnut, cherry, and butternut wood.

Ray Mann was born in Buncombe County and moved to Clay County in 1908. His father-in-law was Brasstown Carver Elisha Allen Hall, brother of John and Ben Hall, and Jack Hall’s uncle. Ray is known for his sheep and oxen carvings, with a sheep being the first piece he ever carved in the thirties. In his youth, he tended sheep which continued for many years and accounts for his interest in sheep and lambs for subject matter. Ray worked with wood for most of his life, from building homes and chicken houses to building his own place. Ray preferred working in cherry, walnut, and buckeye, and liked to carve in his woodshop best. He has carved dogs, cows, oxen, mad mules, and braying donkeys.

Born in Pelzer, South Carolina, Martha Coffey came to the area in 1930 with her mother and father who built their own home on land they inherited. Martha carved six to eight hours daily, first roughing out a piece in the evening and doing finish work every morning. She was the only carver in her family, and carved for over 20 years after someone gifted her an elephant napkin ring. Soon after, she studied under Murray Martin and Hettie Kearney Coffee. Martha carved beautiful camels, skunks, dogs, and chickens in many poses and sizes, and gave carving demonstrations throughout western North Carolina.

Usage/Care Notes: Dust occasionally

Authenticity and Condition of Items: One shepherd has a damaged foot, and the standing bull has a damaged horn. Items listed in this auction are described to the best of our ability. However, please be aware that colors, sizes, and other details may vary from what is displayed on your screen. It is your responsibility to carefully review item descriptions, photographs, and any additional information provided by the seller before making a purchase. If you have any questions about a product, please contact marketing@folkschool.org before you begin the bidding process.

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