The opening of Metka’s 26th solo exhibition took place in a historic 12th century castle, in the town of Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia on Thursday 29th September 2011 was a grand occasion. It was attended by many dignitaries and a large crowd who travelled from neighbouring countries and from all over Slovenia.

H.E Prof. Dr Boris Cizelj, President of the ECPD Executive Board, President SBRA (Brussels) and former Ambassador of Slovenia to Australia, EU and NATO, came from Brussels, where he is based, as the official guest to formally open the exhibition. Some 21 years earlier, when he was Ambassador to Australia, he also opened two of Metka’s exhibitions in Australia, Canberra and Gold Coast, .

The evening commenced with a cultural event in the grand frescoed ballroom with performances by a traditional Slovenian folk dancing group and by a Didgereedoo player whose beautiful mystical music echoed through the castle courtyard, spacious halls and the five exhibition rooms.

This was staged and organised by the gallery staff and a great surprise not only for the audience but also for Metka.

The evening was indeed a wonderful event with the artworks depicting bright and colourful Australian themes, interspersed with soft and gentle Slovenian landscape themes. The local and national media crew, Studio SB, covered the entire evening which was then broadcast several times on television during the following weeks.

Just prior to Metka returning to Australia on 25th October, she was asked to present the exhibition to the President of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Turk, who was visiting Slovenska Bistrica, and had a private viewing with her.

The Historic 12th Century Slovenska Bistrica Castle

Dr Danilo Turk, President of the Republic of Slovenia, officially visited Slovenska Bistrica Castle where he had a private viewing with Metka on Tuesday 25th October 2011.

H.E Prof. Dr Boris Cizelj, with Metka (left), Opening the Exhibition (center), and viewing the Exhibition. (right)

The opening of Metka’s 26th solo exhibition took place in a historic 12th century castle, in the town of Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia on Thursday 29th September 2011 was a grand occasion. It was attended by many dignitaries and a large crowd who travelled from neighbouring countries and from all over Slovenia.