Studio tour through the old district
Visiting three studios
The journey through open studios in the former district of Calau began in Laasow: Willi Selmer had opened the art house, including its huge natural garden filled with art, to visitors and art enthusiasts. He and Marion Selmer presented their work under the theme “Mask meets graphics”. Willi Selmer’s black masks contrasted with the green of the garden, making them stand out. The sounds of a handpan, a singing bowl, could be heard in the background, spherically underlaying the presentation of the artworks. “I simply put larger pieces of wood with a particular structure and shape into the bonfire and extinguished them again after a short burning time. After reworking, my works of art were created in this way,” explains the artist to the ever-changing visitors.
Selmers had invited an artist friend who also presented his paintings and graphics. Eckehard Schäfer, a former dentist from Spremberg with a doctorate, has been painting since childhood. He returned to the art of painting and design following the age-related termination of his practice. He also managed to incorporate his art of painting into the therapy. Eckehard Schäfer: “There was a picture on the ceiling above the treatment chair, which at first glance was reminiscent of sacred church paintings, but then allowed the patient to study the details to distract them from the treatment – which was usually successful!”
A bon mot from his practice: A patient once complained about the botched artwork in the waiting room, unaware that it was the art of the dentist treating him. “In the past, people like that would have had their hands chopped off,” he added. The dentist reminded him of today’s appointment: “You do know that we have an extensive dental restoration planned today? And the artwork is mine …!” He said and set to work with pliers and a drill.
In Calauer Mühlenstraße, Katrin Meißner had opened her yard and house to visitors and also showed them her private rooms and the art inside, which filled almost every wall and every corner. Visitor Rut de la Calle, an architect of Spanish origin from Annahütte, was very impressed by Katrin Meißner’s works: “Her art seems very grounded, no frills, it seems convoluted at first, but is straightforward – I love such depictions!” Kathrin Meißner, a freelance artist who has won several awards, has also extended her sphere of activity to Leipzig, where she also designs objects and presents her art.
At Gleis 3 in Lübbenau, several artists showed their works and invited visitors to join in. Under the guidance of Antje Koßmagk, they created their own, sometimes first, watercolor works. She was supported by her fellow artists Anke Schollmeier, Regina Herrmann, Marianne Wendland and Kerstin Arndt-Pusch.
Marlies Klaus from Crinitz had turned to an unusual type of art, tree bead jewelry: “Tree beads often form after injuries, they are a kind of wound closure on trees. They fall off after healing or can be carefully removed – their wood is perfect for my jewelry work.”
After so much enjoyment of art, there was finally the opportunity to turn to more mundane pleasures. Spreewälder Plinse sizzled in the pan in the Gleis 3 kitchen …
Peter Becker, 07.05.25
