Chalkware cast from antique chocolate molds
and individually handpainted by artist Moni Marceau
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Chalkware is Moni Marceau's artistic way of sharing the form and preserving the skill of her predecessors. Her tools are her brushes and original antique chocolate molds, some more than a century old, which have come to reside in the family collection. Moni started creating chalkware over 20 years ago, and has been creating full-time for over 14 years. "Marceau is noted for her workmanship, creativity, historical accuracy and use of materials. From the tiny toys to the expressions on faces, each figurine is rich in detail." ₁

It started with two German Santa molds, dating back to 1900. With a keen sense of history and years of training in the fine arts, Moni decided to combine history and art by recreating Santas for her friends and family for Christmas presents. The fascinating background and uniqueness of the pieces created a demand beyond that which could be produced part-time. Moni gave up the security of her job as educator and counselor to pursue full-time her art and sharing of the past.

The mold collection has grown with the help of family in Europe, fellow artisans, and patrons in the US. Each piece is named, often after the finder of the mold or the perceived personal attributes of the piece. Today that collection includes some of the finest examples of European and American molds, primarily Old World Santas and some of the most cherished Rabbit molds ever produced.

By casting from the early molds, that pieces history is shared with others. Each piece is, of necessity, a limited edition because of the fragility of some of the early molds. None are used to destruction as when a reasonable number of castings have been done the mold receives an honored retirement into the family's private collection.

Moni is happy to share her art and love for the form with others. Many, after seeing the finely painted artifacts, have come to her to commission pieces from their own collection of antique molds. Where possible the molds genealogy will be traced based upon Moni's extensive and continuing research into the history of the molds and their makers.

The creative process starts with the mixing of a special kind of plaster, which is then poured in the antique 2-piece metal molds. After the plaster hardens the figurine is released from the mold, needing to cure completely before painting can begin. A special antiquing medium gives the pieces the old appearance, so loved by contemporary collectors. The final touches are adornments in the form of tiny toys for the santas and flowers for spring time rabbits.

"People respond to her work because it touches their hearts," said Roberta Walker, who oversees the annual Bromwell Elementary School Holiday House Tour and Boutique. When I see Moni's work, I think back to my grandparents who grew up in Germany.  When they woke up on Christmas morning, they got oranges and a few things left in a shoe. Christmas wasn't neon lights. It was a few candles; it was simple and warm."₂  

Thus they become Sweet Pieces of History.

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Moni and her art have been featured by the following:

• Spotlight
• Good Afternoon Colorado
• The Denver Post
• The Discovery Channel nationwide.
• Early American Life (selected as one of the top Traditional Artists in the country.)
• Collector's Guide to Antique Chocolate Molds by Wendy Mullen