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Award Ceremony of the “What a Texas!” Contest and Exhibition Opening at the Marshal’s Office, photo by Mikołaj Kuras for UMWKP
Wręczenie nagród w konkursie „Ale Teksas!” i otwarcie wystawy w Urzędzie Marszałkowskim, fot. Mikołaj Kuras dla UMWKP

Creative Visions of Texas – Contest and Exhibition at the Marshal’s Office

Vibrant cities, endless prairies, rodeos, barbecue, and cowboy vibes – over 800 young artists from across the region showcased their imagination through artworks capturing the spirit of the second-largest state in the USA. The most outstanding pieces were awarded today (June 4) during the grand finale of the “What a Texas!” contest held at the Marshal’s Office, with Marshal Piotr Całbecki in attendance. Photos will be available for download after 4 p.m.

 

“The partnership between Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region and the State of Texas has been thriving for over 15 years. Thanks to our relationship, joint initiatives have been undertaken by scientists, doctors, students, teachers, entrepreneurs, farmers, representatives of NGOs, and the cultural sector,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Jim Mazurkiewicz, whose dedication has made this collaboration so fruitful.”

 

The artworks submitted to the contest organized by the Children’s Art Gallery and Centre of Creativity in Toruń (GiOPTD) interpreted Texan culture, history, and everyday life. They also reflected on shared values and symbols linking Poland and the USA. The jury recognized both the creativity and artistic quality of the young creators, awarding 12 main prizes and 12 honorable mentions across four age categories.

 

The ceremony, hosted by GiOPTD director Dariusz Delik, was also attended by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski, Professor Jim Mazurkiewicz—who has long promoted our region in the USA and fostered cooperation with Texan partners—Regional Parliament Councilors Jacek Gajewski and Przemysław Ziemecki, the Mayor of City of Toruń Paweł Gulewski, and Major Vinny Powierski, representative of the 4th Battalion, 1st U.S. Field Artillery Regiment.

 

The contest participants came from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, cultural centers, educational institutions, and private art studios from all over the region. The works were created using various techniques – from drawing and painting to printmaking and graphic design.

 

Today’s ceremony also featured the opening of the post-contest exhibition, showcasing the awarded and honored works, which will be on display at the Marshal’s Office until August 7.

 

The “Ale Texas!” contest is the second edition of an initiative aimed at introducing children and youth to the cultures of countries and regions cooperating with our region. Last year’s theme was Scotland.

 

This time, participants embarked on an artistic journey through the fascinating and contrasting state of Texas.

 

We warmly invite you to visit and discover Texas through the eyes of young artists from our region!

 

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

 

June 4, 2025