Szolnok Artists’ Colony
Historical background
The beauty of the Szolnok scenery was first noticed by the Austrian painter, August von Pettenkoffen, who served as war correspondent during the War of Independence of 1848/49. In the following decades, he often worked here and his paintings made the region a favourite destination among his artist friends. Thanks to their interest the artists’ colony was built in 1902, which developed into the most important scene of the Alföld landscape and genre painting. Having survived the storms of history it is still one of the most important workshops of Hungarian art. Right from the start, the artists living in the colony belonged to the front-rank of Hungarian art and they still do. A few illustrious names without aiming to completeness from the colony’s early period: Lajos Deák-Ébner, Sándor Bihari, Adolf Fényes, Vilmos Aba-Novák. The roughly 200-piece historical collection comprising all periods of the colony is preserved in the gallery of the Szolnok Damjanich Museum.
Szolnok Artists’ Colony and KERT Gallery
Since 2002, the studio flats of Szolnoki Artists’ Colony accommodate ten artists: painters, graphic artists and sculptors for longer or shorter periods and also hosts foreign artists every year for a period of six months. It also welcomes the public with many events, exhibitions and a friendly atmosphere.
Events organised by the Artists’ Colony
Every year, Szolnok Artists’ Colony organises 12 exhibitions for reputable domestic and foreign artist in the KERT Gallery. The Colony is also the organiser of the Articum Art Biannual and the Particum Open Air Sculpture Exhibition, which have already gained international reputation.
Every June, at the ’ARTjáró’ General Art Festival, we celebrate together the birthday of the colony under the trees of the ancient park with various programmes from all kinds of art.
From spring to autumn, one-week creative workshops are also held on the premises.
Art circles and education courses
Drawing, painting and modelling courses run all year round on the colony grounds under the direction of renowned artists.
Studio visits and guided tours
By previous appointment guided tours are available in the KERT Gallery of the colony and in the artists’ studios.
Tourist information:
H-5000 Szolnok
12/12, Gutenberg Square
Tel/fax.: +36 56 230 605