European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 07, 1995, Darmstadt, Hesse France a variety of alsatian pottery is displayed on a window Sill. A craftsman forms a cup on the Potter s wheel. Is photos by Michael Abrams biennial festival honors Region s craftsmen Ceramic forms for baking the cake known As Gugel Hupf Are sold in a variety of sizes. By Michael Abrams staff photographer turning a Mound Hovet Clay into a perfectly shaped cup in t the easiest thing to do but for the potters of souffle Nheim it is a centuries old tradition. Souffle Nheim in France s alsatian Region is the heart of the area s ceramics Industry and every two years the town welcomes guests to its Grande fete de la Poterie the great pottery festival. The two Day event held last weekend features a pottery Market on saturday and on sunday the potters open their doors and show visitors How the traditional pottery is made. Practice hands turn the Clay on spinning wheels into vases cups and Candle holders. Liquid Clay poured into casts hardens into cooking pots after timing fired in the kilns. Later the pottery will be decorated in various colors and with intricate designs. Alsatian cooking and ils pottery Are influenced by each other. Banc Kanoffe a meat and potato casserole Chou route Garnie a sauerkraut and sausage dish and Coq a riesling Chicken in wine sauce Are cooked in a deep casserole dish. Cakes Are baked in the Cugel Hupf a Ceramic Mold with a Hole in the Middle. Pates of the Region Are made in shallower versions of the casserole with a glazed lining. Wine or Beer while usually served in a Glass stays the Ceramic cups. After a visit to the pottery factories and shops festival visitors could try a taste of the alsatian specialities at the town s restaurants or a stands set up along the main Street. Here potters from other regions also had their wares for Sale and shoppers could try and buy wines sausages and other specialities to enjoy at Home. You Don t have to wait two More years just to enjoy pottery from the Alsace. The pottery stores in souffle Nheim and in other villages nearby Are open _ during the week and Many will allow you to watch them artwork. Nheim is located on n63 about 25 Miles North of Strasbourg or about 1 2 Miles West of Baden Baden in Germany. Take the Baden radon exit off a5 and head. Away from Baden Baden toward Hagenau. On the 23rd and 24th of september the town will hold an Antiques Market. Mother and daughter watch a Potter at work above. A Kiln is filled with regional pottery left. A design is carefully added to a plate below. Mugs and bowls Are just part of the pottery on Sale at one store. In addition to pottery local specialities like these sausages were for Sale 14 stripes Magazine september 7-13, 7995 september 7-13, 7995 stripes Magazine 15
