The river is getting ready for a night of glamour: famous Croatian beauties will walk the famous steps

On August 12, a new exhibition titled "Vidljivo u dvije varijacije" opened in Union, a small island town in Croatia, marking a renewed cultural initiative following recent efforts to restore the former elementary school building. The space, once abandoned due to declining student numbers, has been transformed into a public art venue through a voluntary clean-up campaign. This effort was supported by the local community and led to the creation of a gallery known as Torać, located in the old olive oil mill near the river. The newly available space now hosts artistic exhibitions, with this one being the first public event since its restoration. The exhibition features the works of two academic painters, Nevio Carcich and Herman Gvardjančić, who have collaborated under the shared title "Vidljivo u dvije varijacije." Their exhibit presents two distinct painterly manuscripts and two perspectives on the same motif, spaces that inspire, shape, and remain etched in the artist’s memory. Through different visual languages, Carcich and Gvardjančić explore how personal experiences of landscapes can become universal narratives about humanity, nature, and belonging. Nevio Carcich, born in Union in 1952, studied in New York and currently resides in Austria. Herman Gvardjančić, born in Ljubljana in 1943, lives near Škofja Loka. Both artists bring diverse backgrounds to their work, contributing to the richness of the exhibition. The opening ceremony was attended by Branka Reljac, a curator at the Lošinjski Museum, who shares familial roots in Union and regularly contributes to the region's cultural life. The exhibition will remain open until August 20, with visiting hours from 8 to 10 PM daily. In parallel, another exhibition titled "Hommage gradovima Europe" by Croatian artist Marine Fernežir opened in Crikvenica on August 6, showcasing a cycle of artworks inspired by European cities and their historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. The exhibition takes place in the city’s Gallery, offering visitors a glimpse into the diversity of urban landscapes across Europe. Fernežir, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb with a specialization in conservation and restoration, has developed a unique ability to blend classical drawing and painting techniques, allowing her creative freedom in experimentation and stylistic expression. Her works reflect the rich history, traditions, and atmosphere of each city she interprets, using a wide range of artistic approaches. The exhibition includes various formats, materials, and techniques such as acrylic, oil, mixed media, and collage, resulting in a varied and expressive collection. Fernežir has exhibited independently and collectively in Croatia and abroad, while also completing over thirty conservation and restoration projects. The exhibition runs until August 29. Meanwhile, in Rijeka, free guided tours along the River began earlier than usual, starting at 6 PM instead of the previous 7 PM, beginning on August 13. These tours, organized by the Rijeka Tourism Association, offer participants the chance to learn about the city’s history, culture, and everyday life through engaging stories and anecdotes. The route begins at the Adriatic Square and passes through notable locations including the Corso, the City Clock, the Ivan Kobler Square, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Milk Market Square, the Kosa Tower, the Jelačić Square, the HNK Ivan Pl. Zajca, and the Turkish House. Participants must reserve a spot via email, and guides are identifiable by the Kvarner Guides insignia. The project is co-organized by the Kvarner Guide Association and the Rijeka Tourism Association. Additionally, an exhibition titled "Rijeka, Fiume, Fiume, Rijeka" opened on August 12 at the Corso in Rijeka, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Italian Community of Rijeka. Organized by the Italian Community of Rijeka, the exhibition highlights the role of the Italian diaspora in shaping the identity and history of the city. It is designed specifically for public spaces and aims to engage the broader population and tourists during the summer season. The exhibition is presented in Italian, Croatian, and English, reflecting the city’s open and multicultural character. The event marks the first activity in a series dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Italian Community, which will continue throughout November with celebrations in the Palazzo Modello, including special programs and activities for members and the wider public. The exhibition will be on display on the Corso until August 25.