The 29th Homberg Artists' Meeting has reopened after a two-year break, showcasing diverse artworks in the newly renovated Kochs building in Untergasse. The exhibition, which opened on Friday, November 28, features works from ten local artists and will run until Sunday, December 14, offering visitors a chance to experience art in an enhanced atmospheric setting.
Among the most intriguing pieces is a wooden sculpture by Michaela Steidl that requires close examination to fully appreciate. Her maple leaf sculpture contains tiny human figures so small they can only be seen with a magnifying glass. The artwork provokes contemplation about the relationship between nature and humanity, with the miniature people becoming objects of study when viewed through the lens. Visitor Christine Foerster was particularly moved by the sculpture, which questions humanity's significance in the broader context of nature.
Another artist pushing creative boundaries is Nils Dettmer, whose wooden works appear unremarkable at first glance. However, closer inspection reveals his remarkable recreation of Edvard Munch's famous "The Scream" using countless small colored wooden blocks. The masterpiece only becomes recognizable when viewed from a distance, creating a moment of surprise and wonder for observers.
The exhibition benefits significantly from the renovated Kochs building, which previously housed a shoe store. Three years ago, the traditional exhibition was first held in the then-unrenovated former shoe house, but the current renovated space provides a much more inviting atmosphere. Mayor Nico Ritz emphasized during the opening ceremony that the Kochs venue helps revitalize the city center. He noted that the Artists' Meeting has a long-standing tradition but was suspended for two years due to personal tragedies affecting organizers.
Artistic director André Grabczynski paid tribute to deceased members including Any de Grab, Norman E. Rogers, Dietlind Henss, and Werner Krauss, who was a co-founder of the meeting. Barbara Wimmel, 75, has been participating since the beginning and shared memories of earlier times. Her technically refined watercolors this year focus on her travels, with the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg being unmistakably recognizable among her works.
The exhibition showcases various artistic styles and mediums. Klaus Bölling presents what André Grabczynski describes as "pure color explosions" in his watercolors. Bölling has been painting abstract landscapes for many years, and this time displays impressions from his Scotland vacations. Rather than painting on location, he creates these works in his Kloweskirchhof studio using photographs as reference material.
Juliane von Witten brings color as a central element to her contributions, currently working in what she describes as a "white-gold phase." She increasingly incorporates structures into her acrylic paintings that demonstrate depth and complexity. Her friend Jutta Marion Volkmer attended the opening to show support, joining many other friends and supporters of the participating artists. Newcomer Esther Wiederhold captivated guests with her expressive portraits of women, marking her debut in the exhibition.
The Artists' Meeting operates on specific visiting hours throughout its run. From Thursday through Saturday, the exhibition is open from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while Sunday hours are 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During the Christmas market period, special extended hours apply: Friday, December 6, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM; and Sunday, December 8, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The diverse exhibition includes paintings, graphics, photography, sculptures, and plastic arts, representing artists from Homberg, the Schwalm-Eder district, and northern Hesse.
