Anne Hagen Originals
Anne Hagen grew up taking art lessons from local artists in her home town and was an art major at the Univ. of Arkansas until her family convinced her that she needed to learn something "practical". Anne returned to her art training while raising six children. She took classes at the McNay Art Institute in San Antonio and also at the University of Texas San Antonio.
Anne first began polymer doll sculpting in 1997 when she saw a Santa figure she wanted and decided she could make it herself. Her original works were folk-art Santas. She said she mostly gave them away to friends and family as gifts. Anne was soon discovered when she was asked to offer her work for sale at a Junior League fund-raiser in Austin, Texas. A friend of Mrs. Laura Bush bought one to give to Mrs. Bush, who was First Lady of Texas at the time.
In 2003 Anne moved from folk Santa sculptures to the art doll arena. She studied under nationally known doll artist Barbara VanNoy who encouraged her to enter the Doll Fair in Kansas City. Jimmy, “Child of Life” which portrays a son who died from diabetes, won a first place blue ribbon in the judging, then was voted the People’s Choice Award by participants. Anne also received the Connie Award, which recognizes the “Best New Original Doll Artist” She also received awards for her Santa figures, Santa’s Search and St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.
The Christmas "Belle" Story
Anne was asked by the American Angus Auxiliary to create “Belle” after Shirley Williams was a guest in Anne’s home and saw her work. Shirley had always wanted to find someone who could create an Angus Cow Ornament. Anne was up to the challenge and actually came to Shirley’s ranch to photograph cattle. Shirley helped with the style of the cow but the wreath around Belle’s neck was Anne Hagen at her best. Anne plans to introduce a new original Cow ornament each year. Each piece will be a signed and numbered limited edition work of art.
Intricate detail of barbed wire, pheasant feathers, cow bells, berries, pine cones, and dried flowers on the straw wreath around Belle's neck will amaze you. Belle can stand on her own to add a festive touch to any shelf, or may be hung on the Christmas tree. Each Belle will arrive with a Certificate of Authenticity that will correspond with her number that hangs from her straw wreath. Only 50 Belles are being created for the 2005 offering. The No. 1 Belle sold for $1,000 and the No. 50 for $600 at auction during the Angus Reception in Louisville. Only 50 "Belles" have been created for this 2005 offering. The other numbered originals are offered at $125.00 each. Visit the Angus Sale Barn to purchase Belle.
St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
St. Nicholas is the traditional Bishop figure beloved in much of Europe. St. Nicholas is dressed in Bishop's vestments and miter and carries a staff, which in this representation, is a cross. Additionally he carries a Christmas wreath and three golden balls. The golden balls are reminders of the three bags of gold the original St. Nicholas Bishop of Myra, is said to have thrown into a poor peasant man's home (landing in the stockings drying before the fireplace). St. Nicholas carries a bag of toys on his back.
The face and hands of this one of a kind piece were sculpted from Prosculpt clay. The beard is mohair and the Bishop's jewelry is 14 carat gold. His body is constructed of wire and cloth. His clothing, leather boots, most of the toys, staff, and wreath are one of a kind created by the artist. He stands 27" tall and is offered for sale for $550.
The Wizard
Casting his spell, the good wizard raises his hand to calm the evil winds. Dressed in an elaborate robe and cloak the wizard carries a magical twisted staff topped by a silver winged ball The wizard's face, hands and feet are made of a blend of Cernit and Prosculpt clay. His body is constructed of wire and cloth. His boots are handmade of leather. His hair and beard are mohair. This is a one of a kind original art sculpture. The Wizard is 20" tall is offered for sale for $350.
To purchase any of these works of art contact:
Anne Hagen
10 Moncada Circle
Hot Springs Village, AR 71909-5329
501-915-8757
Anne Hagen has generously agreed to donate a portion of her proceeds to the American Angus Auxiliary to help support their many activities and programs.