The first ceramics fair, opened at the Ceramics Festival that is just beginning, provided an opportunity for a joint meeting of ceramic manufacturers, city and county authorities, and the directors of cultural institutions: the Museum of Ceramics and BOK-MCC.
President of Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec” Karol Stasik showed guests around the stands. He presented new products, recommended proven items and explained the history of the company. Meanwhile, during the meeting at ZC Bolesławiec, Mayor Piotr Roman emphasized the power of promoting Bolesławiec ceramics. “For Americans, Poland means Bolesławiec ceramic products,” the mayor said. “I took part in training sessions in the USA, and during one of my visits I experienced a very pleasant surprise. A young American woman approached me and boasted that she knew Poland, then handed me a leaflet from Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec”. I was surprised and proud at the same time,” he added.
The county head wished the company a successful festival, many achievements and all the best. “This year I will certainly also see Zdobinki in the parade,” said Cezary Przybylski. “It is important that you promote the Festival in this way, because people coming to Bolesławiec for ceramics also want to see all the attractions prepared during these days.”
At the fair in front of the plant on Kościuszki Street, visitors can buy all the products manufactured by ZC Bolesławiec. The president promoted large, airtight crocks (from 5 to 40 litres), a fireclay grill that he called “indestructible”, export products, unique designs and new items that will only enter sale later, as well as products created for special occasions: Euro 2012 (mugs), Halloween (pumpkins) and lightweight ceramic baubles, whose production began in 2011 and which are conquering the markets of France, Australia and the USA.
“We have wonderful ceramics that meet the demand for elegant, very high-quality products, while being neither a very expensive brand like Rosenthal nor cheap Chinese imports,” emphasized Jacek Subik, director of trade and marketing. “That is our advantage and our strength. Europe’s leading porcelain and ceramic manufacturers neglect tradition and move their plants to Indonesia and China. We have unique handicraft that we produce locally. This is a value that should be supported. The world will of course survive without our ceramics, and it is up to us whether we accept that or conquer the world with Bolesławiec ceramics,” the director added.
The official part concluded with a visit to Zakłady Ceramiczne, where guests were shown around by ZC’s chief designer, Janina Bany-Kozłowska. The artist has created around 1,500 designs for the ceramics. As she says, creating new forms requires knowledge of technology and craftsmanship, as well as artistry and a love of clay.
“I create designs made by other hands, which is why I make sure that during the technological process and while working on a piece-rate basis, my work can be easily reproduced. They should be beautiful, functional in a modern kitchen and practical,” Bany-Kozłowska adds.
The designer also came up with a gallery of contemporary ceramic sculpture in the open air, available to everyone who visits the fair at ZC Bolesławiec on Kościuszki Street. Works by artists participating in the International Ceramic and Sculpture Workshops, which the company has hosted for years, are arranged among green flowerbeds. At this original gallery, visitors can take unique photos with the ceramic works of art.
During the Ceramics Festival, one of the oldest ceramic manufacturers in Bolesławiec will also have a stand in the Market Square. Painters from the company will decorate the bodies of interested visitors with beautiful designs, and ZC Bolesławiec employees will also take part in the parade. The Ceramics Fair at Kościuszki Street will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
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