About Marlene Gmelin and Detlef Schmelz

Biography

1972 – 77 Study of educational theory at the University of Marburg

1979 – 82 Artistic and technical training at Gerhards Marionetten, Schwäbisch Hall

1982 – 90 For Gerhards Marionetten: design and construction of many theater puppets. Marlene became the art director of the yearly production.

after 1984 Projects in their own workshop

since 1988 Exhibitions, galleries, art markets, international awards

since 1991 Foundation of their own puppet theater “Pendel“ with the production: “Stories without words“

1998 Admission to VeP (Verband europäischer Puppenkünstler / Association of European Marionette Artists)

1998 Publication of the illustrated book “Marionetten – Kunst, Bau , Spiel“

( Marionettes – Art, Construction, Play”)

1999 Production: The Little Donkey and the Mouse Bride

2001 Admission to the Bundesverband Kunsthandwerk, BK (German Association of Arts and Crafts)

2002 Production: Ben, the Bear and the Dream Fish Sailors

2004 Complete revision and second printing of the illustrated book “Marionetten – Kunst, Bau , Spiel“ (“Marionettes – Art, Construction, Play”)

2004 Prize at the state award of Baden- Württemberg

2005 New production of the fairy tale: The Little Donkey, after a fairy tale by Grimm

2007 The Theater "Pendel" is established in Hermuthausen (Germany)