“When you hear hammering at the cultural center, you know: it's Summer Academy!” says a painter participating in the Summer Academy of the Biosphere VHS St. Ingbert. The painters have set up their tables in the lower garden section. It is quiet here, the tall poplar rustles, the herbs were allowed, and in the bed next to it, red cabbage, carrots, and kohlrabi are already nearly in full splendor. Finished works are leaned against the stones. They shine in competition with the sun and their creators – their theme on the last day of the creative week is “Summer Freshness.” “The kitchen garden here is very inspiring,” the artist explains, “and there's always a light breeze here.”
The hammering comes from the upper part of the garden – here, the stone and soapstone sculptors work under the plane trees. Most of them have been participating for several years, as the artists of all disciplines agree that the ambiance and atmosphere are so beautiful. The mood is excellent: Sculptor Egon Irmscher, who also helped design the small boot, holds hammer and chisel: "I'm sculpting a woman," he jokes – of course referring only to his artwork. In the cool cellar of the house, the goldsmith artists sit around a special table working on delicate jewelry pieces – in a display case, you can admire their works in various styles. An artist from Kirkel confirms: "As a woman from Kirkel, I love coming to you in St. Ingbert – the summer academy at the St. Ingbert cultural center is unique!"
Art, creative exchange, and artists' breakfast
For the artists' breakfast on Friday, the last day of the first week, Mayor Dr. Ulli Meyer and local head Irene Kaiser are invited. "Here, a loyal community comes together to be creatively active. The resulting artworks are truly fantastic and very diverse," praises the mayor. Irene Kaiser herself is a customer of a goldsmith and initiated the design of the small boot by a group of sculptors. "I think it's great what is being created here, and I support the artists wherever I can," she praises. The head of the Biosphere VHS, Marika Flierl, is highly satisfied. This is already the 26th Summer Academy; 103 artists have enrolled this year in eight courses, and registrations for next year are already underway. In the second week, it continues with painting courses, goldsmith work, a cooking class, and a photography workshop – the portfolio appeals to many different interests. Of course, not only the "old hands" are involved, but new participants are also warmly invited to register. "The artists inspire each other. There is no envy; instead, they give each other tips and support," says Marika Flierl. "A great creative collaboration in a wonderful place."
