Liepāja Art School Discovers That Painters Can Create Art Even Without Alcohol

While art school students in Riga are still learning how to properly hold a brush, Liepāja has been hosting an event for the second year running that proves our youth can paint even without the attributes of bohemian lifestyle. Thirty-eight students from 19 Latvian schools arrived in Liepāja to demonstrate that art isn't just about suffering and weird haircuts.

The competition theme "Music and Art Unite" turned out to be too unifying - all participants agreed that Liepāja is the best place for creating art. Kandava Art School student Gabriela Laurinoviča won first place, possibly because her name already sounds like a famous artist's pseudonym. The jury, consisting of three LMMDV teachers, evaluated the works with the same care that Liepāja beachgoers use when choosing the best spot for their sand castles.

It should be particularly noted that the competition took place within the framework of LMMDV's jubilee year, which celebrates three anniversaries simultaneously. This is almost like Liepāja weather - when one day can have both a sunny morning, rainy afternoon, and an evening storm. While students created their masterpieces, teachers had the opportunity to attend a masterclass on "Atmosphere Construction and Expressive Painting" - a course that isn't needed in Liepāja, since atmosphere forms here naturally.

One local resident commented: "I've been saying for a long time that our young people are talented. Now they've proven they can not only have a good time, but also create something." Competition organizers promised that next year's event will be even bigger, as Liepāja has always had the ambitious goal of proving that culture can flourish outside the capital's borders as well.