On Thursday, October 27, Krystyna Gay-Kutschenreiter was presented with the Gloria Artis Medal for outstanding achievements in culture in Bolesławiec. The artist was extremely moved during the ceremony.
“I am a very happy and fulfilled artist,” said Krystyna Gay-Kutschenreiter. “This year I became an honorary citizen of the city, and today I am receiving an exceptional distinction. The people gathered in this room have always put a great deal of heart into helping and supporting me. The honor bestowed on me is our shared honor: mine, that of the patrons of culture, the city authorities, artists and residents. Your presence here encouraged me. Artists are cherished in this city. Today, I would like to extend my special thanks to BOK-MCC director Ewa Lijewska-Małachowska, who welcomes artists with open arms,” the artist said.
Krystyna Gay-Kutschenreiter also thanked two ceramic plants without which she would not have been able to complete her works and artistic ideas. “I would like to thank Zakłady Ceramiczne Bolesławiec and Spółdzielnia Rękodzieła Ceramika Artystyczna,” the artist named the two companies. “Without their support, kindness and help, my works would not have been created.”
The marshal present at the ceremony, Cezary Przybylski, thanked the artist for her determination and perseverance in building over many years the brand that the International Ceramic and Sculpture Symposium has become today. “What you do not only promotes Bolesławiec and Lower Silesia; it is also an exceptional promotion of Poland abroad,” said the Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
The medal was presented to the artist on behalf of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage by the city’s mayor, Piotr Roman. In addition to offering congratulations, the mayor spoke about how people admire the artist’s works, an exhibition of which can be viewed in the Town Hall lobby. “Yesterday I received a resident of Bolesławiec who shared his impressions with me after seeing your works. He told me that your works tell the story of his life, and that is precisely what I would like to thank you for: the emotion and authenticity of your art,” said the mayor.
Deputy district head Marian Haniszewski also congratulated the artist on behalf of the district board and council. The ceremony was rounded off by singer and actor Roman Gerczak, known for the hit “You Took My Summer,” who performed it on stage along with some of his other hits.
