During their visit, the artists explored Ogre and its multilayered history – they visited the Ogre market, the Ogre sanatoriums, the former Ogre Textile Factory, as well as the museum’s buildings and collection.

Together with the author of the exhibition “Dawn of Ogre,” Zigmārs Jauja, and architect Ilze Mekša, we took a walk through Ogre, paying particular attention to the city’s architecture and its historic concrete bollards. Meanwhile, Ogre Technical School student Beatrise Krista Ceiča presented her vision of the former Ogre Textile Factory to the artists.

Christoph and Sebastian Mügge are internationally recognized artists whose works are regularly exhibited at biennials and contemporary art institutions across Europe. In their artistic practice, they explore traces of history and the possibilities of their interpretation, using the language of contemporary art and various artistic means of expression.

The programme is designed as an inspiring and educational experience, offering participants the opportunity not only to engage in creative activities but also to explore various art forms, ask questions to professional artists, and gain insight into their daily work, creative journeys, and the unique aspects of their professions.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS:

08.07. | Liena Subatiņa–Brazeviča
“Design Your Own T-Shirt” – a tie-dye workshop introducing the batik dyeing technique.

During the workshop, participants will observe demonstrations and learn different batik techniques, including stencil batik, tied batik, and hot wax batik. They will learn about traditional and contemporary fabric-dyeing practices, natural dye production, and the materials and tools required for creating batik artworks. In the practical session, each participant will create their own unique T-shirt using the tie-dye batik technique. The workshop will be led by fashion designer Liena Subatiņa-Brazeviča.

15.07. | Laura Ikauniece
“When Words and Images Become a Story” – a creative writing masterclass.

Inspired by various texts, images, and associations, participants will create their own unique stories, developing imagination, language skills, and the ability to creatively interpret what they see and read. The session will reveal how text and visual material can combine to create engaging narrative worlds. The masterclass will be led by Laura Ikauniece, author of the book Kate Cukurvate Conquers Meatball Soup.

22.07. | Māra Gaņģe
“The Museum of Lost Things” – a performative and research-based art workshop.

The workshop consists of two parts. In the first part, children and young people, equipped with vinyl gloves and paper collection bags, will explore the urban environment in search of objects they consider lost or abandoned. In the second part, upon returning to the theatre space, each participant becomes the curator of their own “museum,” reflecting on the meaning, story, and display possibilities of the found objects. The workshop encourages participants to think about the value of everyday items, the environment, and human relationships with objects. The workshop will be led by performance artist Māra Gaņģe.

29.07.| Oto Holgers Ozoliņš
“Form-Making Workshop” – an introduction to sculpture mould-making and casting techniques.

Participants will explore various sculptural materials and working processes while listening to a sculptor discuss the nuances of the profession, creative experiences, and the process of creating a sculpture. During the workshop, participants will develop spatial and sculptural thinking through hands-on practice, creating a mould and producing a plaster cast of their own hand. The workshop will be led by sculptor Oto Holgers Ozoliņš.

05.08. | Dārta Madara Cielava
“Impasto Oil Painting” – a workshop exploring oil painting techniques.

Participants will become acquainted with the impasto oil painting technique, which uses thick, textured paint and expressive brushstrokes. During the session, they will gain an understanding of colour layering, composition, and the importance of texture in painting, while creating their own individual artwork using the technique. The workshop will be led by painter Dārta Madara Cielava.

12.08. | Ilze Krastiņa
“Draw the Summer” – large-format flower and plant painting using acrylic paints.

Participants will explore the diverse possibilities of acrylic paints while learning about colour harmony, composition, and various application techniques. In the practical part of the workshop, each participant will create an individual A2-format artwork, expressing their own vision and creativity. The workshop will be led by mural and decorative wall painting artist Ilze Krastiņa.

19.08. | Auce Biele
“Splash Studio: Painting Emotions Through Abstraction” – an abstract painting workshop.

Participants will explore the principles of abstract art and create their own artworks using emotions, movement, and spontaneous interactions of colour as tool of creative expression. The session will include discussion about the feelings and associations evoked by abstract art, as well as the role of art as a form of emotional self-expression. Participants will also hear the artist speak about her creative experiences in different countries around the world and her work at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, The workshop will be led by visual communication artist Auce Biele.

To register, please call +371 20217889 or email liena.subatina@ogresnovads.lv.

Participation Fee: EUR 3.00

All materials are included.

When registering, please provide the participant’s name, a parent or guardian’s contact phone number, and the name of the responsible adult.

At the end of the workshops, an exhibition of the participants’ best works will be organized, providing an opportunity to publicly showcase the results of their creative process.

The exhibition will develop gradually throughout the project. It will begin with the first day of the creative workshops on 8 July 2026 and will remain open to visitors until 13 September 2026.

The exhibition will officially open during the Ogre City Festival on 22 August 2026 at 12:00 PM in the Small Exhibition Hall of the Ogre History and Art Museum.

“In July 1940, J. Gucevičs bought two mercury thermometers in Riga, while J. Nemo purchased apple pies at the buffet of the Ogre railway station. The contents of one broken thermometer were poured into one of the pies. The ‘enhanced’ pie was then fed by J. Nemo to V. Jupatins at the Ogre Community Hall, following a ceremonial rally held in honor of a visit by commanders of the occupation army.

J. Gucevičs did not know that ingesting mercury is not lethal. The harm done to V. Jupatins was limited to severe stomach cramps and groaning while lying on a couch in his office.”

📍You can read the full story in the permanent exhibition “The Path to Freedom”

Photograph: Organizers of the parliamentary elections at the Ķegums open-air stage. 1940. Collection of the Ogre History and Art Museum.