Marie-Helene L. Grabman is one of the few fine artists executing original works of scissor-cut paper - "Scherenschnitte". She first learned cutting techniques from her grandmother. Later, from studies of electronic and print journalism at the University of Detroit, then as a TV news professional, she mastered the concepts to design in a medium that contrasts mirror images and asymmetry.
A serious student of Scherenschnitte, she combines both secular and religious influences of European development and American heritage. She uses only scissors to create each refined, uniquely detailed, graceful work. While she completes simple cutting in hours, intricate work can require a year to fully develop.
Marie-Helene was one of 5 American scissor cutters invited to show her work at the Swiss National Museum, Zurich, Switzerland, in an exhibition devoted to contemporary American interpretation of the work- "Going West: Swiss Folk Art in America".
In 1999, she was asked to create an ornament for theWhite House Christmas tree. It is in their permanent collection.
She is listed in Early American Life's "Directory of the 200 Best American Craftsmen" (yearly since 1991). She was awarded EAL's 1st ever "Heritage Award". Her work has been awarded as an "Editor's Choice" selection in Better Homes and Gardens. Other awards: Best of Show, Art and Apples, Rochester, MI.; Best of Show, Art in the Park, Birmingham, MI; Best of Show, Art in the Park, BLowing Rock, NC; Award of Excellence, Frederick Festival of the Arts; Honorary Award, East Lansing Art Festival; 2nd Place Award, Artsplosure, Raleigh, NC; Award of Merit, Mainsail Arts Festival, St. Petersburg, FL; Honorable Mention, Springfest, Charlotte, NC; 2nd Place, Shrimp Festival, Amelia Island, FL; Exhibitor Choice Award, Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston, SC; etc.She exhibits in annual gallery exhibitions and SHOWS
The entry deadline for the 2023 Directory of
Traditional American Crafts has passed. We are now processing entries and submitting
them to our jurors. We will contract entrants after the jurors have made ther decisions.