5. ARTISAN BETHLEHEM AWARD

5.1.- Technical and formal quality.
5.2.- Adaptation to the market and commercial potential.
5.3.- The ability to transmit positive values related to crafts to society, contributing to its promotion and appreciation.
5.4.- Social and environmental responsibility.
5.5.- Creativity and innovation, applied to conceptual, formal and technical values, design, product development, commercial and marketing strategies or product presentation approaches.
5.6.- Commitment to the evolution of contemporary craftsmanship and to the dissemination, promotion and pedagogy of craftsmanship as a creative practice.

Those applications that provide quantifiable information on the impact of the total sales of the product or collection presented on the total turnover of the company will be especially valued.

The candidates are the following:

A. “BELÉN HUERTANO” BY MERCEDES SERRANO MATAS

B. “MURCIAN BAROQUE COMPLEX” BY MAESTRO ARTESANOS SL

C. “BELEN GOLD” BY PROMETEO FOUNDATION

The works of these artisans can be seen in the Temporary Exhibition located in the Regional Craft Center of Murcia, located at Calle Francisco Rabal, 6 and vote in person or electronically through the following link:

https://forms.gle/4L9xKmsSPixYV5438

A. “BELÉN HUERTANO” BY MERCEDES SERRANO MATAS

Serrano Crafts, Founded in 1913 by Cayetano Serrano. Clay toys were made for spinners, excellent customers at the time. Horses of different sizes and rosy clay dolls, with thin legs and crossed arms, completed the sampler of seesaws and San Blases. After the Civil War, around 1940, it was his son Pedro Serrano who continued, moving to Calle Gloria and later to Puerta de Orihuela until 1963. Pedro Serrano continued with the industry until 1987, and with his retirement his daughter Mercedes has continued its work in the company, being its current location on the Alicante highway. Throughout this long history they have cultivated different artistic styles, although now those of the Hebrew and Salzillesque styles are performed in greater proportion. Currently, Artesanía Serrano has more than 2,000 m2 in its new facilities and an adequate structure to carry out its work as a traditional clay nativity scene. The model presented to this contest is of its own creation and represents a clay Nativity scene that uses the clothing of the traditional Murcian regional costume.

B. “MURCIAN BAROQUE COMPLEX” BY MAESTRO ARTESANOS SL

Maestros Artesanos, SL was established in 1994, following a craftsmanship that dates back to 1750 when the King of Spain commissioned the master Salzillo to create a monumental Nativity scene with 556 characters and 377 animals.

Maestros Artesanos continues to maintain the tradition in its manufacture, providing new designs and developing systems for its products so that our crafts reach all homes.

This company has obtained several awards throughout its history, such as the Mercury Prize for Crafts, Charter of Master Craftsman of the Region of Murcia, and the most important distinction, King Felipe IV imposed in 2019 the Medal of Civil Merit, to Nativity Scene Master Juan Antonio Griñán, for a life dedicated to making figures for Nativity Scenes.

On this occasion he presents a Murcian baroque ensemble, created in 2018. The piece has been molded using toothpicks following the traditional Murcian techniques of the Salzillo school, using earth, water and fire as materials.

C. “BELEN GOLD” BY PROMETEO FOUNDATION

The Fundación Prometeo day center constitutes a social service for the personal development of people with disabilities in order to achieve, within the possibilities of each one, the overcoming of the obstacles that disability supposes for Social Integration. In the Prometeo day center, various occupational workshops are developed, such as: ceramic workshop, mosaic workshop, painting and recycling workshop, felt workshop and bookbinding. Christmas Artisan Nativity Award 2017: To the Artisan Nativity presented by the Prometheus Foundation.

For this candidacy, it presents “Belén Oro”, made up of the 19 cm nativity scene and the Three Wise Men on a Camel, it takes this name since its polychromy is made in golden tones, giving the majestic color to its pieces. Carrying out “Belén Oro” has meant a great boost for the handicraft sector of your entity that is reflected with enthusiasm, strength, enthusiasm and energy to pour out the talents and abilities that each of the people who They have and are participating by joining in this project.