Magical Forest Takes Shape: 53rd Sculpture Colony Underway in Ernestinovo

Ernestinovo, Croatia, is hosting its 53rd Naive Sculpture Colony, a cultural tradition spanning over half a century. The event, held in the Sculpture Park, brings together artists, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors. This year's theme, "Magical Forest," coincides with the opening of a new Creative Children's Center, with sculptures designed to spark children's imaginations.

The colony features 13 sculptors, three painters, and two straw artists. Visitors can observe the creative process daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event showcases the transformation of Slavonian oak logs into unique artworks, highlighting local, national, and international artistic significance.

First held in 1973 with 12 artists, the Ernestinovo colony has established itself as a meeting point for artists inspired by the Slavonian oak. Despite challenges, including a period during the Croatian War of Independence when it relocated to Osijek for seven years, the event has maintained its continuity and remains a symbol of the region's cultural identity.