The exhibition “Iron Design – Reviving Tradition” has officially opened as part of the new permanent display “The World of the Iron” at the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv. The exhibition showcases remarkable artworks created by students from the National High School of Arts “Tsanko Lavrenov”.

The paintings were produced as part of a competition organized by the museum to mark June 6, celebrated as the birthday of the iron. Young artists embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and creativity, transforming an everyday household object into inspiring works of art that impressed both the jury and visitors.

“Perhaps it was the first time they had ever painted irons, but they were fully dedicated to the task, and the results speak for themselves,” said their teacher, Polina Stancheva.

The first prize was awarded to Marisa Petkova, a Painting student, for her original artwork combining the imagery of a rooster and an iron. According to the museum’s director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov, the piece stood out among the entries and carried an interesting connection to the museum’s late benefactor and artist Dimitar Dobrev, who was known for his fondness for painting roosters.

Awards and certificates were presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov and the museum’s Deputy Director, Malina Gadzheva. During the ceremony, curator Grozdelina Georgieva announced that the artworks would become part of the Regional Ethnographic Museum’s collection, ensuring that the young artists’ achievements will be remembered for years to come.

The exhibition will remain on display throughout the summer in “The World of the Iron” exhibition hall at 20 Saborna Street. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover how tradition can be reimagined through the eyes of a new generation of artists.