The head of the Summer Academy, Assoc. Prof. Robert Tsanev, emphasizes that this year's edition of "Wood Sculpture" brought together faculty and students from three departments to create eight works inspired by carefully planned concepts for the urban environment. The exchange of ideas and practical experience was at the core of their collaboration, and according to Assoc. Prof. Emil Bachijski, head of the "Metal" department, such initiatives help students test new techniques when working with sculptural materials and give them the confidence to turn their models into large-scale sculptures, helping them break into the international scene as contemporary artists.

The realization of these wooden sculptures is a direct result of the 14th Summer Academy and "Wood Sculpture" Symposium, held from August 31 to September 8. The creative base of the National Academy of Art (NAA) in Ahtopol, known as the Greek School, hosted participants from the "Sculpture," "Metal," and "Woodcarving" departments, who explored diverse artistic approaches together. On the final day of the forum, the results of the work were presented through an exhibition, and all participants were awarded certificates. The team behind the project includes:

  • faculty and staff: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Borislav Aleksiev, Assoc. Prof. Emil Bachijski, Assoc. Prof. Robert Tsanev, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rafail Georgiev, Assistant Mark Boychev, PhD student Petya Taneva, and technologist Yordan Yordanov;
  • students: Kristian Kralev, Nikola Spasov, Iveta Veleshka, Petar Koruev, Stanimir Veselinov, and Simeon Manev.

The entire initiative is part of the growing cooperation between the NAA and the Municipality of Tsarevo, and it is in the town of Tsarevo that the eight completed works will be installed. Project funding was provided through a competition for scientific and artistic creative activities at the NAA for 2026, and the project itself is included in the official program celebrating the 130th anniversary of the founding of the higher education institution as the State School of Drawing, the Academy notes.