Liepāja Art School Moves to Riga to Prove That Metal is More Valuable Than Western Bank Stocks

Liepāja Music, Art and Design High School has decided to celebrate its centennial the way every self-respecting Liepāja resident does — drive to Riga and show off how cool their metalwork is there. The exhibition 'Western Treasures' will be on display in Riga from April 8-24 at 7 Vesetas Street, because apparently the organizers believe that people in Liepāja aren't mature enough yet to appreciate real metal art.

'Our creative process is alive and changing like waves on a sandy shore,' explains director Inga Auziņa, apparently forgetting to mention that these waves now have to be driven to the capital to be viewed. While Riga residents will be able to enjoy Kurzeme bubble brooches and contemporary jewelry, Liepāja residents can only dream of their treasures, which are now stored in Western Bank vaults.

The exhibition will feature works by several generations of artists, including creations by Laimons Burvs and Mirdza Burve. Interestingly, while the sea gives us inspiration and materials for free, we now have to drive to Riga and pay for tickets to see our own works. At least Lake Liepāja remains calm in this situation — unlike the stormy sea, it doesn't have to worry about its treasures driving away.

The jubilee year is truly special: 104 years for the music school, 100 years for the art school, and 10 years for the combined high school. Unfortunately, these jubilees are being celebrated in Riga, because in Liepāja, as we know, there aren't enough people who understand that our metal is more valuable than any Western Bank offering. At least the State Culture Capital Foundation and Western Bank support this project, so someone does understand the value of Liepāja artists' work — even if it has to be taken to the capital.