AJKEC with a closer look 2024

Ajkec Under the Microscope 2024: The Impressionist Painting – A Land of Impressions

During this year’s summer holidays, the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana (UL ALUO) invites children to new adventures with Ajkec, a little spider who will help us explore the technology behind Impressionist paintings, the causes of their deterioration, and the work of conservators-restorers.

This week-long art workshop for primary school children, titled “Ajkec Under the Microscope 2024: The Impressionist Painting – A Land of Impressions”, will take place from July 1 to July 5, 2024.

HISTORY

Ajkec’s workshops, organized by UL ALUO and led by academic painter and conservator-restorer Prof. Tamara Trček Pečak, in collaboration with professional colleagues and students, have for over two decades introduced generations of children to the world of art. They address questions related to the preservation and longevity of artworks and the role of the conservator-restorer.
Initially held at the National Gallery, in recent years the workshops have taken place at UL ALUO.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The 2024 edition will run from Monday, July 1 to Friday, July 5, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the UL ALUO Department of Restoration, Tobačna 5, Ljubljana.
Early arrival is possible from 8:30 AM, and children can stay until 3:30 PM.

This year, the focus will be on the Impressionist period, including a visit to the National Gallery in Ljubljana.
The artworks created by the children will be exhibited in early 2025 as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Ajkec’s workshops (location and date to be announced). After the exhibition, the children can take their work home.

Due to the technical nature of the creative process, participants will work on the same piece over several days, so attendance on all five days is recommended.

All materials, tools, aprons, snacks, drinks, and lunch will be provided.

PRICE AND REGISTRATION

The price of the workshop is €170 (including VAT) per child.
Discounts for siblings:

• 2nd child: 10% discount

• 3rd child: 15% discount

• 4th child: free of charge

Registrations are open until the start of the workshop or until all spots are filled.
Applications are only accepted via the online form at the following link:
https://forms.office.com/e/zJwJzjbZzt

TENTATIVE PROGRAM

Monday, July 1, 2024

• Introduction

• Preparing the canvas (assembling frames, stretching canvas, applying base layer)

• Preparing decorative frame

• Discussion about possible themes

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

• Visit to the National Gallery

• Creating drafts

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

• Searching for inspiration in nature – visit to Ljubljana Zoo
  (Children will be dropped off and picked up at the zoo.)

Thursday, July 4, 2024

• Painting

• Visit to conservation-restoration workshops and/or educational video viewing

Friday, July 5, 2024

• Painting

• Tonal adjustment of the decorative frame

Note: Due to the technical requirements of the process, the order of activities may change.

📩 For additional information, please contact:
tamara.trcekpecak@aluo.uni-lj.si

YOU ARE INVITED TO REGISTER!

Who is Ajkec the Spider?
Ajkec is the beloved little spider who inspires creativity and curiosity in children.

Project Leader:
Prof. Tamara Trček Pečak
Concept and Workshop Leaders:
Prof. Tamara Trček Pečak, academic painter
Mag. Sara Štorgel, academic painter
Professional Collaborator:
Academic painter Gregor Kokalj

Since its beginning, Ajkec’s workshop has been supported by Rotary Club Ljubljana, helping provide access to children and youth who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
The workshop is also part of this year’s Conservation-Restoration Transversal program.