LOCAL NEWS
Friday 15 February 2013 Page 9
This winter, the igloo village was built on the Saanerslochgrat for the fourth time. It is perfect for snow-lovers, après-ski and fondue-parties. Dutch and Swiss ice-artists have created an exciting ambience in the interior of the igloos. Local carpenter and wooden sculptor Mario Frautschi, was also involved in the design. During several weeks, various ice artists have designed the igloos and implemented the topic “Circus.” Next to majestic animals such as giraffes, horses and lions, rope dancers and balance artists are decorating the interior. “We came up spontaneously with this topic during summer,” says Marius Mosi-
mann, manager of the igloo village in Saanenmöser. This topic obviously inspired the artists - after the first step into the igloos, you feel like you are in a circus ring. Sand, ice and wood Often it is the same people that work on the igloo villages’ design every year (Engelberg, Davos and Zermatt also have igloo villages). In summer, some of them work on sand sculptures. This year, local carpenter and wooden sculptor Mario Frautschi from Turbach has joined the team. “The cooperation with Mario Frautschi is ideal. As a local, his availability is more flexible,” said Marius Mosimann. “In particular for maintenance work when the temperature rises.”
Local carpenter and wooden sculptor Mario Frautschi at work.
Picture: Franziska Raaflaub
Igloo village on Saanerslochgrat
The Igloo village on Saanerslochgrat.
New creative territory
local guests,” said Marius Mosimann. He points out various offers: “Next to accommodation, the Igloo village has a bar. We organize fondue parties with torchlight descent on request.” Transport with the cable car and an experienced guide for the descent, is included. In order to make the village more known in the region, an open day will be organized soon. “We look forward to seeing many new faces in our Igloo village!”
“Ice forgives more mistakes than wood,” says Mario Frautschi. “If too much material is taken away, you can always add it again. I also like the large dimensions that can be worked with. It is a nice change to work with less in detail.” Mario regrets the transient nature of the material. “As the temperatures are so high, the design suffers and has a vague look.” Attract more locals “We would like to welcome more
TRANSLATED AND ADAPTED FROM THE ARTICLE BY FRANZISKA RAAFLAUB AVS 08.01.2012
Dalia Fayed is currently exhibiting her fascinating colorful works in “The Alpina Gstaad.” Her paintings were previously exhibited at the Grand Hotel Park during 2010 and 2011. Originally born in Egypt in 1971, Dalia lives in Saanenland, where she spends most of her time. Dalia Fayed started painting in 2000 and
has since then worked with different art techniques. All funds from Dalia’s artwork go to charities. With this exhibition, the project “Nour Ala Nour” is supported, which is a kindergarten and school in Kairo. It will help to open a small hospital for people in need. TRANSLATED AND ADAPTED FROM THE ARTICLE BY DR. ROLF P STEIGER AVS 08.01.2013
Picture: Rolf P. Steiger
Dalia Fayed enchants with colors and flowers