By The West Michigan Tourist Association
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) is pleased to present an exhibition and lecture on Zakopane, Poland. “100 Years of Polish Independence: Zakopane 1918”is an exhibition of photographs from the archives of the Tatra Museum in Zakopane. It tells the unique story of the short-lived Republic of Zakopane, which was established in the concluding weeks of the First World War. The exhibit will run from Feb. 10 – March 27 with an opening reception and lecture on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1 – 5 p.m. The University of Michigan lecturer and assistant director of undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan history department, Dr. Kate Wroblewski, will present a lecture at 2 p.m.
Situated in the scenic Tatra Mountains, in the 19th century, Zakopane attracted artists, writers, and intellectuals from Poland’s four corners. Together with the local inhabitants, they created a diverse and distinctive community that flourishes today. This exhibit will feature stunning archival photographs revealing the beauty, originality, and diversity of the mountain resort town and its inhabitants.
The University of Michigan Alumni Club of Greater Manistee-Ludington is providing support for the reception and in assisting with the transportation of the exhibit. “We are thrilled to introduce Zakopane to Manistee! We appreciate the support from the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Greater Manistee-Ludington in making this a reality,” said Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the RRCA. “We are working together to curate this photography exhibit with food, music, and the Polish community in our region. Two Slices will prepare Polish-inspired food, and music will be furnished by Virgil Baker and the Just for Fund Band.“
The lecture and exhibit are free and open to the public. Reserve your spot for the lecture at RamsdellTheatre.org/art-exhibits. The exhibit is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Enter through 1st Street to view it. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, February 15 from 1 – 5 p.m.
CCPS has curated the exhibit and organized public lectures in collaboration with the Tatra Museum, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw, and Culture.pl as part of POLSKA 100, an international cultural program commemorating the centenary of Poland regaining Independence. It is financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the multi-year program NIEPODLEGŁA 2017-22.
