The League’s 35th Annual Ornament brings together two metal artists for the creation of poinsettia blooms that will last far beyond any winter celebrations. Meggin Dossett and Paulette Werger, both of Lebanon, NH collaborated on the 2022 Annual Ornament Season’s Splendor, honoring the form of the beautiful poinsettia flower.
The tradition of giving poinsettia plants dates back centuries in Southern Mexico and Central America, where the plant was readily available. Used by the Aztecs for dyes and for medicinal purposes, the plant was later called ‘Flame Leaf’ in Central America and ‘Flor de Noche Buena’ (Flower of Christmas Eve) in Mexico having become a part of religious holidays in that area over time. “The plants are given to bring the sun inside and are symbolic of the season’s celebrations,” notes maker Paulette Werger, who enjoyed learning the history and tradition of the plant as she and Meggin Dossett researched ideas for their ornament design.
Poinsettias are available today in many colors beyond the traditional red, and millions are grown and sold in the United States each year. Many people adorn their homes with poinsettia blooms during the winter months, savoring the vibrant living color during long cold days, and celebrating the warmth and splendor of the season.
The 2022 League ornament comes gift-boxed and sells for $26. This annual offering is a critical fundraiser for the League that helps support local artists and affiliated League Fine Craft Galleries. The ornament is a thoughtful keepsake to mark any special occasion, milestone, or holiday. Each of these cast pewter ornaments, which capture the eight petals of the poinsettia flower, is hand finished and inscribed by the artists.
About the Makers: Meggin Dossett and Paulette Werger
Meggin Dossett grew up in the midwest, spent time in the Pacific Northwest after college, and has resided in New Hampshire since 2003. “I find that it is absolutely the most satisfying experience taking raw materials such as wire, sheet metal, and stones and creating something lasting and beautiful.” Dossett has been a juried member of the League since 2017 and was the maker of the 2019 Annual Ornament, Tidings of Joy.
Paulette Werger has been a juried member of the League since 1997 making jewelry, vessels and flatware that draw upon botanical imagery, mythology, and folk tales. “I have an interest in the abstracted patterns commonly found in plant life. Form, texture, and pattern borrowed from my garden are the basis for the collage-like surfaces and simple volumes in my metalwork.” states Werger. Paulette Werger collaborated on the Annual Ornament in 2002, 2014 and 2015.
About the Annual Ornament Program
Since the program began, in 1988, the League’s Annual Ornament has become a New Hampshire holiday tradition. Each year, juried members of the League submit a piece to be considered for the Annual Ornament competition. Their work is reviewed by the managers of the eight League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries, and a winner is selected. Now in its 35th year, these ornaments have become a holiday collectible and a must-have holiday treasure.
About the League of NH Craftsmen
The League of NH Craftsmen is a non-profit, craft education organization. Its mission is to encourage, nurture and promote the creation, use and preservation of fine contemporary and traditional craft through the inspiration and education of artists and the broader community. The League represents the signature of excellence in fine craft, through the work of its juried members, and its rigorous standards for self-expression, vision, and quality craftsmanship.
VISIT US: STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM JOIN THE LEAGUE LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS © League of NH Craftsmen. Website Design by Sullivan Creative.
2526 White Mountain Hwy
PO Box 2614
North Conway, NH 03860
603-356-2441
Sat: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
(Closed on Tuesdays January 1- June 1)
OUR MISSION: The mission of the League of NH Craftsmen is to encourage, nurture and promote the creation, use and preservation of fine contemporary and traditional craft through the inspiration and education of artists and the broader community.