Creche Convention

World of the Creche is coming to Toronto, November 10-12, 2011

St. James’ Cathedral to host a major International Conference on the art and history of the Nativity

Join us in welcoming delegates from across all of North America and far beyond in an international convention focusing on the crèche. This will be the first time there has ever been such a gathering in Canada that will not only look on the crèche as a symbol and expression of one’s faith and its importance in the history of art, but at the role it has played in the history of the world, particularly that of Canada. A major exhibit of crèches assembled from institutions and personal collections across the entire continent will demonstrate its continued importance to so many. One in particular was made in a prisoner of war camp during World War II, and with the coincidence of the convention coinciding with Remembrance Day, research has gone into its importance in times of war. In the process we have uncovered stories of the hope it has brought, and how it continues to sustain so many in times of great stress.

St. James’ Cathedral agreed to host and organize this convention on the request of the American Branch of a world-wide organization of Friends of the Crèche that started in Europe over 100 years ago at a time when valuable collections of crèche figures created by leading artists over hundreds of years were being broken up and sold, or simply left to deteriorate. A Friends group was formed, and has grown so that there are now branches spread across 19 countries of the world. Its headquarters is in Rome. The President lives in Germany. The Americans joined twelve years ago, but to date, there is not a branch in Canada.

St. James’ Cathedral has been setting up an exhibit of crèches from across the world each December since the year 2000, and in the process attracted international interest. It was thus that the American organization heard about us and asked if we would host its convention in 2011. We agreed, but with the stipulation that it must be open to everyone, member and non-member alike, be ecumenical in nature and reflect the cultural diversity of this country. That was in 2007.

The organization of such an event as this began by our hosting a series of public meetings to discuss the possibilities for such a gathering and how to capitalize on what was unique about Canada, and the richness of the resources to be found within this city and its immediate surroundings. An impressive program has emerged which can be downloaded from this site, as can a listing of major presenters along with their bios, as well as a listing of pre and post convention tours that have proven so popular that we

added an additional one. It is to open with an Ecumenical Service in St. James’ Cathedral followed by a reception and the opening of the exhibits, a marketplace, and demonstrations by artists in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. All convention sessions will be held at the hotel, but a performance of Medieval Biblical Plays as seen in Chester, England in the 16th century will be presented by the Poculi Ludique Societas in the Cathedral on the second night. You will notice that the program offers a number of concurrent sessions to choose between, and it is advisable to register as early as possible in order to get your first choice of options.

As of the first week in August those registered are coming from 27 different states in the U.S., 6 provinces in Canada, Germany and the Netherlands. Everyone is welcome. This is a truly international event. Registration forms can be downloaded, as can information about the hotel. For further information contact Nancy Mallett, Convention Chair at 416-364-7865, Ex. 233 or email.

Photo Notes: TOP - Inuit creche carved out of walrus tusk showing wisemen travelling by dog team; CENTRE - Artist Timothy Schmalz at work on one of his creches.

Public Performances of the Medieval Plays

The public are invited to join Convention delegates in performances of the Medieval Biblical plays by the Poculi Ludique Societas (PLS) in the Cathedral on Friday, November 11 at 8:00pm, and Saturday, November 12 at 2:30pm and 8:00pm. Tickets prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students. For reservations, call 416-978-5096 or email. Cash only at the door. For further information, check the PLS website.

For information and ordering of tickets for the medieval play "To Seek a Child," click here.

Public Performances of the Medieval Plays

For information and ordering of tickets for the medieval play "To Seek a Child," click here.

Order tickets
to the November 12
Creche Exhibit here

As of October 1, 2011, Convention participants are coming from Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and across all of North America. Pre and post convention tours have proven popular and we have ordered additional buses to accomodate the many delegates who are coming early in order to participate.

For further information about the Convention, contact Nancy Mallett, Convention Chair, at 416-364-7865, ext. 233 or email (click here).

For further information about the American organization of Friends of the Crèche, check its website (click here).

Order tickets
to the November 12
Creche Exhibit here

For further information about the Convention, contact Nancy Mallett, Convention Chair, at 416-364-7865, ext. 233 or email (click here).

For further information about the American organization of Friends of the Crèche, check its website (click here).

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