Open Call to Artists for 2023
Viscri
A UNESCO village, rich in beauty and history, opens it's doors to the international art community.
Experience Transylvania while pushing the bounds of your creativity
Our mission is to providing an environment for the artist to feel at home and have space to relax so that they can focus on their craft while experiencing the culture and exquisite vision of Viscri, Transylvania
WHAT DOES THIS 'A.I.R' INCLUDE?
Bed & Breakfast
Each resident artist will receive their own room and basic amenities.
Artist Studio
Artists will have a studio shared with one other fellow artist is residence.
Prepared Traditional Meals
Relax and reflect on a good days work . Lunch and dinner are home-cooked, Romanian meals served in the village by locals.
Activities and Exhibition
We've provide as little or as many activies as any artist wants to experience whether that means finding inspiration for their art, learning more about the culture or just for pure enjoyment. Finally, there will be an exhibition at a local barn gallery at Collegeri 1841
Viscri, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Viscri is a plein air painting paradise. A trove of beauty and history is waiting everywhere you look
Viscri is the home of Katharine Alecse who lives and works at Atelier Alecse, the founder of Art in Transylvania and The Viscri Arts Club. She first came to Viscri on such an artist retreat painting alongside painters such as Tim Scot Bolton and Richard Foster. This is Katie's dream, to create an experience just like the one she had to share with other artists. Visit Atelier Alecse's website below for more information about this artist in residencey.
A.I.R. HOSTS
KATHARINE ALECSE
Founder and
Host at Atelier Alecse AIR
JOHANN MARKEL
Pianist and Founder of Colligere 1841 Estate and it's Barn Gallery
HOW TO BECOME AN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
1. Select a program on the home page
If you already know which program you are applying for click the corresponding green button on the homepage. All other programs can also be found there.
2. Contact a Host
For more information about a program, contact the corresponding host
3. Apply
It is free an easy to apply to all programs. Mostly you'ree host wants to know a little about it you and what you want kind of art you will make while on your stay
4. Deadline
The deadline for applications are usually Jan. 30th the year that the residency is taking place. If you miss a deadline don't fret. Let that host know and they may be able to assist you.
5. Artists Selected
Each host will select the artists in residence by Feb. 30th. Artist will need to A copy of your airline ticket or a deposit will be needed to confirm your reservation
6. Start Planning your trip
Once you are selected you can start plannning your stay with your host. The 7-10 day artist in residency program usually takes place in the first week of June
Why Transylvania?
nature
EUROPE'S LARGEST BIODIVERSITY
Transylvania is home to hundreds of species that are rare or extinct elsewhere in Romania or Europe. Transylvania's traditional low-intensity agriculture has protected Europe's medieval wildlife for generations. Transylvania provides endless inspiration and tranquility for the artist
history
CASTLE'S, UNESCO, & ROYALTY
There are more than 150 fortified churches in Transylvania alone. This is a certified special place. It is a culturally significant as it is endangered. People are using traditional methods of making all things. Even Prince Charles has a house in Viscri and claims to be related to Vlad Tepis (Inspiration for Dracula)
plein air
PAINTING OUTDOORS DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS
Nothing can replace the real thing. Real susistance farmers actually using horse and cart as transportation. Being here is like actually traveling back in time. You can find beautiful views to paint on every inch of land. These real experience brings the arist back to our roots and makes for the best live painting spots
affordable
EVERYONE'S BUDGET
It is a great time to visit Romania. Prices for tickets, food, lodging, everything you could need is relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. Cost of living for a Romanian family is more than 50% less than that in the United States.
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HRH King Charles III" It’s the timelessness of it which is so remarkable, almost out of some of those stories one used to read as a child. It’s quite remarkable. People are yearning for that sense of belonging and identity and meaning!."
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Willam Blacker, author of "Along the Enchanted Way""Lying in valleys between deep oak and beech forests, and dominated by vast castle-like churches which tower above the terracotta roofs of the houses that cluster around their walls, the Saxon villages of Transylvania have a fairytale quality about them."
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Keith Drew, BBC"It is an almost ancient way of living [and] it offers visitors a glimpse into a world that no longer exists in other parts of the globe"
GALLERy
Viscri Arts
VA's First Annual Summer Exhibition starting 20 June 2023
scroll down for the full details on our blog, but first meet the artists:
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Artists in Viscri
Viscri Arts was founded by Katharine Alecse in 2022. It is a group of artist residing in Viscri who seek to promote art and culture in Viscri, Transylvania and beyond by hosting exhibitions, musical performances, events and residencies. We foster collaboration with artists from outside of Viscri as well.
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Katharine Alecse
Founder, American Artist specializing in large-scale hyper-real paintings and songwriter in Viscri-based band Family Fire. Host of Atelier Alecse Artist in Residency Program
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Sorina Cotea
Artist specializing in Jewellery. Ousia, Sorina's brand had a" raw beginning. the word derives from the Latin ‘ousia’, and can be translated as substance, essence or spirit. it stands behind the whole concept, representing the motivating force of creative expression that started the brand in April 2018"
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Johann Markel
Pianist and founder of Colligere 1841 Estate which provides a music room with a C. Bechstein Grand Piano and a Barn Gallery. Johann has visiting performers, puts on exhibitions and artist workshops. He has Viscri Saxon ancestry.
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Marlies Markel
Teacher, Choirmaster and musician. Marlies of Viscri Saxon ancestory founded the village choir, teaches german to children in Rupea and is a member in the Viscri band Family Fire
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Christian Radu
Photographer and Musician. Christian works with Mihai Eminescu Trust (MET), has organized an afterschool program for Viscri children and conducts horseback riding in the Village
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Visiting Artist Sebastian Mare
Photographer and Violonist living in Germany but has Romanian Ancestry. Sebastian specializes in wildlife photography and for this years exhibition has selected photos of birds and butterflies native to Viscri
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Visiting Artist Irina Motroc
Irina is a Bucharest-based printmaker. Irina received her MA at National University of Arts, Bucharest, Romania and Erasmus at Magdalena Abakanowicz University of Arts, Poznan, Polonia
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Visiting Artist Tavi Anghelus
Photographer from Ramnicu Valcea, Romania, Tavi has taken pictures since the age of 12. In 2008 he graduated in the Fine Arts Faculty in Bucharest, in the Photography-Video section. His favorite art trends are surrealism and straight photography.
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Visiting Artist Vlad
Painter
VISCRI ARTS BLOG
21.12.2016
CONTACT
Address: Atelier Alecse Nr. 241 Strada Principala, Sat Viscri, Brasov, Romania