Jakšić Gallery was delighted to accept the invitation of the Municipality of Sutivan and take part in a charitable initiative supporting Brački Pupoljci, an association for children with special needs from the island of Brač. On this occasion, an educational and creative stone-working workshop was organised under the guidance of our artist and designer Ida Stipčić Jakšić. The aim of the workshop was to introduce children to the rich stonemasonry tradition of Brač while also raising funds to support the association’s activities.
The workshop took place in the beautiful setting of the Kavanjin Manor courtyard in Sutivan, bringing together children, parents, and visitors. Through play, creativity, and social interaction, participants had the opportunity to discover one of the island’s most important symbols – stone. Brač stone has shaped the island’s history, culture, and identity for centuries, and workshops such as this provide an excellent way to introduce younger generations to its significance and value.
The theme of the workshop was inspired by the well-known local legend of the cat in the bell tower, a beloved story from Sutivan that served as the starting point for the children’s creative work. Using simple tools and materials, the young participants created cats, bell towers, reliefs, and other imaginative interpretations of this charming tale. The results were remarkably creative and demonstrated how inspiring children’s imagination can be when given the opportunity to express itself.
One of the greatest values of this workshop was that children were able to experience traditional crafts firsthand and gain insight into the process of creating an artwork. Stonemasonry and stone carving are deeply rooted in the history of Brač, and passing this knowledge on to younger generations is an important contribution to preserving the island’s cultural heritage. This is one of the reasons why Jakšić Gallery regularly organises workshops for children, schools, and various visitor groups, helping to bring art, design, and the natural treasures that surround us closer to the public.
In addition to its educational role, the workshop also had a strong charitable dimension. The funds raised were intended to support the work of Brački Pupoljci, giving the event an even greater purpose and demonstrating how community spirit, culture, and compassion can come together for the benefit of society.
We would like to commend the organisers – the Municipality of Sutivan and the Sutivan Tourist Board – for this excellent initiative, which successfully combines cultural heritage, children’s education, and humanitarian work. We are grateful to have been part of this event and to have shared at least a small part of our love for stone, art, and the tradition that the Jakšić family has nurtured for generations.
We believe that workshops like these help lay the foundations for future generations who will recognise and appreciate the value of Brač stone, artistic creativity, and the rich cultural heritage of the island of Brač.