The Gabrijel Kolbič Gallery
GALERIJA AND GABRIJEL KOLBIČ ART EXHIBITION SPACE
The art section of the Gabrijel Kolbič Cultural and Artistic Association boasts the well-maintained Gabrijel Kolbič Gallery and art exhibition space at Zgornji Velka 40, in the very centre of the village, opposite the Church of St Mary of the Snows. The gallery is housed in an approximately 200-year-old building on Velka's central square.
Gabrijel Kolbič Gallery and Exhibition Space it is the central representative space for the presentation and preservation of the artistic heritage of Gabrijel Kolbič It is an important cultural hub of Zgornje Velke and the wider Slovenske gorice region.
The space combines heritage and contemporary art, as it is dedicated to the local artist Gabrijel Kolbič, the first academically trained fine artist in Maribor after the Second World War. His creativity significantly marked the post-war artistic space of the Slovenian Hills and continues to inspire the local community to this day.
Gallery feed permanent collection of works by academic sculptor Gabrijel Kolbič, which addresses visitors with expressive portraits of famous personalities and family members, an interesting self-portrait, recognisable sculptures of Gabrijelca, delicate small sculptures and reliefs, and numerous other works of art that reflect creative breadth and a sense for the human figure.
Alongside the gallery operates the KUD Gabrijel Kolbič art exhibition venue, which is also wedding venue. Several times a year, the exhibition space hosts solo and group painting and photography exhibitions by members of the Art Section of the KUD Gabrijel Kolbič, ensuring the venue remains an important cultural hub for the area. It is not only intended for exhibitions, but also as a meeting place for creators and art lovers, where heritage and contemporary creativity intertwine to enrich the local identity.
The exhibition space is also a pleasant venue for wedding ceremonies and other celebrations, where tradition and contemporary art meet in a special atmosphere.
Since 2003, the art section of the Gabrijel Kolbič Cultural and Artistic Society has been responsible for the Gabrijel Kolbič permanent collection and its preservation. For many years she strove for its protection and proper arrangement, as the original premises in the chaplaincy did not provide suitable conditions for the storage of the artworks.
With the support of the Municipality of Šentilj, in 2021, as soon as the opportunity arose, the collection was moved to its current location – into new, suitably arranged gallery spaces. The grand opening took place on 16 October 2021 as part of the celebrations of the Velka Local Community.
The gallery breathes with art and memory. It is a space where the past intertwines with the present and where the rich heritage of Gabrijel Kolbič remains a vibrant cultural meeting point that connects people and strengthens the love for their home town.
Viewing of the Gabrijel Kolbič Gallery and Exhibition Centre is possible by prior arrangement via email at kudgk.likovna@gmail.com
Source: Archive of the KUD Gabrijel Kolbič Fine Arts Section
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