From 24 February to 8 March, the Graphic Workshop exhibition will be on display in the exhibition hall of Pedvāle International Artists’ Residency.
The artworks exhibited in the exhibition hall of Pedvāle Art Park are graphic prints (impressions, drafts) by Inga Actiņa, Elīna Elere, Mētra Drulle, Ieva Helmūte, Ieva Ritumas, Sandra Seržāne, Astrīda Šilfa, which are signed original works of art created during different stages of the existence of the Graphic Workshop. Every artist’s creative work, from the first idea sketch to the final graphic print, is an exciting and surprise-filled process. The transformation of a drawing into one of the graphic techniques always brings delight and a sense of discovery. The Graphic Workshop has also organized many exhibitions of children’s graphic works, but this exhibition presents the professional achievements of the artists themselves and their explorations in the art of printmaking.
The Graphic Workshop and Art Studio began its activities in 1997 in the premises of Riga Centre School of Arts and Crafts. Since 2009, the workshop has found its home in the shopping centre “Galerija Centrs”, on the lively Kalēju Street side. The workshop is an open creative space for everyone interested – young and old alike, both art enthusiasts and professionals. Since its very beginnings, the workshop has been led by the graphic artist and art educator Ieva Helmūte, who together with the graphic artists Mētra Drulle, Elīna Eleri, Inda Kauliņa, Ieva Rituma, and Inga Actiņa invites all interested visitors to explore and discover the secrets of the art of printmaking.
The youngest participants of the Graphic Workshop take part in international competitions and achieve notable success, winning medals, diplomas, and prizes. Here, at home, in 2008, six-year-old Emīlija Adumāne won the main prize in the competition “My Dream Coin”, organized by Latvijas Banka. Emīlija’s graphic print “Cūciņa LAC 1” was minted as a silver coin. Every year, we participate in the International Art Competition organized by “Imaj – Centre pour l’UNESCO” in France. In 2023, Elza Margrete Jensen won second place and a medal in this competition and personally received the award on 3 June 2025.
Since November 2012, the “Graphic Workshop” has been equipped with a unique mini printing press, which makes it possible to offer the joy of printmaking at various events outside the workshop as well. The Mobile Graphic Workshop organized a creative event in cooperation with the National Library of Latvia during the presentation of “Mika’s Book” (“Mika grāmata”) on 3 December 2022. The Mobile Graphic Workshop has also organized creative printmaking “marathons” at the French Institute as part of Museum Night, at the Garden Festival of Rundāle Palace, at the Ventspils City Festival, and at many other events.
