Christkindl Markt ushers in holiday spirit at Canton Museum of Art

The Canton Fine Arts Associates and the Canton Museum of Art & Cultural Center for the Arts host a Christkindl Markt each year featuring unique vendors who handmake all of their wares. The popular event is held annually at the Canton Museum of Art and Cultural Center for the Arts on Market Avenue in downtown Canton.

A Christkindlmarkt is a German-inspired Christmas market featuring holiday gifts, food and crafts. The term translates to “Christ Child Market” and originates from the 16th-century markets in Nuremberg, Germany.

The yearly tradition has helped kick off the holiday season for the past 52 years in Stark County. It is a juried show where all vendors must apply and be selected for the event each year. This year’s market was held for two days, Nov. 7-8. In past years, the event lasted three days.

Nancy Barton, a member of the Canton Fine Arts Associates and co-coordinator of the event, said, “The event draws hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors every year. The attendance has always been robust. The vendors are from around Ohio and neighboring states. Plus, we always have many volunteers helping out each year, with over 40 helping this year.”

There were more than 100 vendors this year selling jewelry, glasswork, wood items, pottery, artwork and more. In addition to the vendors, the event featured door prizes, a silent auction, raffles, a tabletop tree exhibit, a dance performance from “The Nutcracker” by Canton Ballet students and food at the Cultural Center Café & Lounge. One long-standing tradition, the Sweet Shop, sold handmade chocolates at the front entrance.

Volunteers Donna Gilhousen, Deborah Markl and Bonnie Swearingen said they worked with many other volunteers for hours to make all the candies and box and bag them in festive holiday packaging.

Many local businesses donated to the event, contributing gift cards, prizes for the silent auction and raffles, or cash. Proceeds from the event go directly to the Canton Museum of Art, which uses the funds to provide educational programs and expand exhibits.

“There is a lot of work that goes into the show, but it really is a labor of love for everyone,” Barton said.

One of the vendors, Chaz Letzkus from Pittsburgh, has been setting up at the show for many years. He participates in similar events throughout Ohio and neighboring states, drawing mostly 11-by-14-inch animal prints. His artwork includes a special twist — each piece features hidden animals or objects.

“This has always been a good, quality show, including the people handcrafting the items for sale, the visitors, and the people running the show. The basic culture of the show is quality,” Letzkus said.

Christine Ceraolo, owner of Wood Designs by Christine in Mentor, displayed and sold handmade items created by weaving elements through live-edge wood and epoxy resin to form unique, high-end serving trays, wall-mounted coat racks, accent tables and coffee tables.

“This is the second time I’ve exhibited at this show,” Ceraolo said. “I travel to other states as well as throughout Ohio. This is a wonderful show; the volunteers and the show coordinators do a great job.”

Maryann Posch from Cleveland Heights showcased jewelry pieces including silver rings, bracelets, necklaces and more. She and her husband, John, have been vendors at the Canton show for several years.

“The most popular items we sell here at this show are rings,” Posch said. “I learned my craft at Kent State University in Kent and have been making jewelry for 40-plus years. We travel to many shows around the state and often run into our customers at the different shows.”

Despite the wet and cold weather, crowds turned out in groups to browse the vendors, admire the craftsmanship and enjoy a festive outing together.

As it has for more than half a century, the Christkindl Markt once again marked the official start of the holiday season in Stark County.