Pipka is a folk artist and teacher. She creates her treasured Santas in her cottage in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin, in the village of Sister Bay.

Pipka was born in Slovakia, raised in Germany and came to America with her parents and brother after World War II. Her family settled in North Dakota. As a young girl in a new country, Pipka spent her days learning the ways of her new American friends, yet the customs and values of Germany were never far from her heart. Later Pipka moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where her interest in folk art accelerated.

Her mother, while visiting relatives in Germany, sent Pipka a package filled with art supplies, wooden boxes, and instruction books on Bauermalerei - Bavarian peasant painting. Pipka opened the package, picked up the brush and has never put it down. As a self-taught artist, Pipka has developed her own unique style that reflects her interest and her heritage.

Pipka spent many years painting Bavarian florals on furniture and accessories, making her one of the premier designers in the decorative painting industry. One long winter day, Pipka was snow bound in her studio. On that quiet snowflake day, she was inspired to design her first Father Christmas image, a Russian Santa, as a gift for her mother. It was the beginning of Pipka's love of Old World Santas, their stories, myths and traditions.

Pipka celebrates Christmas and life all year round by designing her European inspired Santas and angels. She shares her passion for folk art by teaching her painting techniques and reciting the stories of the rich traditions of Father Christmas to students and Christmas enthusiasts throughout the world.

Pipka starts with Pipka's wonderful artwork in the form of colorful paintings and sketches.

Pipka spends endless hours researching and designing each piece.