Artist designs pieces for Goebel’s art gallery and explores mysterious and playful personalities of cats

Goebel of North America, the creators of Hummel figurines celebrating small children immersed in the joys of childhood and long regarded as one of the most popular and enduring collectibles, is branching out into a new venue featuring the works of several international artists, including classic Monet, Renoir, Degas and van Gogh along with contemporary artists MARA!, Thomas Dunlay and Rosina Wachtmeister.

Ever wonder what your cat is thinking? At times it seems these little felines have an agenda all their own, but for most pet owners, it is their quirks that make them so lovable.

Internationally celebrated artist Rosina Wachtmeister has developed a line of gifts and collectibles for Goebel’s Art Gallery Collection capturing the intriguing and mysterious personalities of cats. The collection is composed of mugs, decorates plates, figurines, musical figurines and boxes, vases, clocks and keepsake boxes featuring Wachtmeister’s famous female friends. Wachtmeister, best known for her vibrant colors, her bold use of mixed mediums and her whimsical cats with crescent-shaped faces, cites her vivid, magical dreams and the lovely, picture-postcard village of La Rocca as the inspiration for her work.

Cat lovers on your list are sure to treasure these beautiful items, so surround yourself and those you love with inspiring collectibles adding to your own decor. Goebel is proud to showcase many of her distinctive works through a variety of highly crafted figurines, plates, vases and pictures. These colorful, lovable cats are the perfect way to add a touch of playfulness to your gift giving.

M.I. Hummel figurines celebrate small children immersed in the joys of childhood and are world-renowned and hand-crafted by master artisans. Other gift ideas from Goebel of North America:

l For the first time ever, M.I. Hummel and Swarovski are debuting a co-branded, limited edition figurine, A Heart Felt Gift. This enchanting young girl’s face is pure magic as she presents you with a genuine crystal heart by Swarovski, valued at $25. This piece is limited edition of fewer than 2,800 in the USA. It measures 5.5″ tall and has a suggested retail price of $275.

l The mixed medium theme continues with Carnival Fun. One look at his expression of sheer astonishment and you can just begin to imagine what this little carnival patron has seen. Best yet, this lucky fellow is holding a real glass balloon, available in three colors. Carnival Fun is 3.5″ tall and retails for approximately $60.

l Another artist, Thomas Dunlay, has depicted the Brant Point Lighthouse in Nantucket on several new pieces – a vase (6 inches, $90), bowl (7.5 x 6.25 inches, $60) and footed box (3.25 inches tall, $40)

l Reminisce about the winter games you played indoors as a child. Full Speed Ahead is an imaginative, young boy preoccupied with his toy train engine. At 4.75″ tall, it has a suggested retail of $300.

l Capping off this year’s Create a Gift Program are four new pieces. First up is A Four Leaf Clover – this lucky fellow has found a rare clover, while Love Petals has just discovered the soft, velvety feel of a fresh rose petal. My Toy Train is a little gentleman presenting you with his most prized possession – his model train, and in Monkey Business, a young lady shows off her “most snuggly” friend, a furry, brown monkey. All four of these new starter level pieces are 3.5 inches tall amiable figurines that have a suggested retail of $59.50. Your choice of seven occasion bases is included with the purchase.

l Saluting both the New York City Fire and police departments, the M.I. Hummel Honors America’s Heroes Collection represents the everyday heroes in your own hometown. Firefighter depicts a young boy dressing in firemen gear, poised to fight a blaze with his hose and bucket. This one is 4.75″ tall and retails for $245. Halt features a young child standing in NYPD blue and holding a picture of an official NYPD shield in his hand. Halt is the same size and price as Firefighter. Both come with a wooden base with the words “A Salute To Our American Heroes.”

l Give your loved ones some encouraging words with a MARA! mug; the collection includes six, brightly colored whimsical mugs with inspirational messages, hearts, nature, stars and sleepy cottages.

Want to give a gift of pure magic? Try Love Bird-Water Globe truly encompasses the wonder and enchanting personality of MARA!’s work. The globe captures the peaceful scene of a mythical bird musing over a copper-colored crescent moon. At 2.75″ tall, it has a suggested retail price of $30.

l Celebrate one of man’s most enduring triumphs and the spirit of American innovation and accomplishment with First Flight, a vivid example of the human fascination with flight. A bright-eyed young pilot looks to the sky as he flies his model plane to new heights. First Flight will be cherished for generations as a testament to how far humankind has come. The edition is strictly limited to 2,000 worldwide and comes with a handsome wooden base. It stands 4.5 inches tall and retails for $200.

l M.I. Hummel has captured the awe of innovation and love of adventure in its American Spirit sculpture. A child races ahead to take first prize as in American flag waves from his homemade vehicle, reminding you that life can be an adventure and the possibilities are endless. American Spirit is 4.75 inches tall and retails for $275.

l Celebration of Freedom is a proud, young boy holding his American flag up for all to see. This inspiring piece is sure to become an instant classic and will instill feelings of pride in all who admire it. At 4.25 inches tall, it retails for $245.

l Give a patriotic collector the Little Flag Bearer to display all year round. A little boy holds tightly to two things most precious to him – the American Flag and his toy horse. Only 3.5 inches tall, this piece retails for $59.50.

l The Let Freedom Ring Collector’s Set is a duet – a small girl and her little black puppy – singing in front of an American flag on a wooden base that reads “Let Freedom Ring.” The piece is 4 inches tall and retails for $175.

l Pocket Dragons depict the everyday events of family, friends and pets and remind you to enjoy the ups and downs of every day. There’s one called In Search of Coffee, another First Sip, also Roly Poly, Frequent Flyer and Inky Splat! On average they retail for $30 or less and are an affordable way to brighten anyone’s day.

For more information about these and other Hummel pieces, call 800-666-2582 or visit www.mihummel.com