“Hocus Pocus, Dragonocus!”
On World Collage Day, we join a variety of collage-related events taking place around the world. We invite you to celebrate World Collage Day in Kraków together with three dragon ladies—collage artists Maria Filek, Marta Janik, and Tanja Ulbrich.
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the power of collage. We invite artists and all art lovers to explore the symbolic realm of their own artistic expression.
Two workshops will take place on this day. Detailed descriptions are below.
The honorary patron of the event is the Wawel Dragon.
And you—what kind of fire do you breathe?
We’re waiting for you.
Join us for some “dragon-collaging”!
World Collage Day is an annual international celebration of collage, held on the second Saturday of May, initiated by Kolaj Magazine in 2018.
When?
10:30–12:30
“Hocus Pocus, Homo Smokus” – collage workshop with Maria Filek and Marta Janik
13:30–15:30
“Inner Dragons: Gestalt Collage for Artists and Art Enthusiasts” (“Wewnętrzne smoki”) – collage workshop with Tanja Ulbrich (conducted in English with Polish translation)
Workshop descriptions:
“Hocus Pocus Homo Smokus”
Are dragons among us? And if so… do they scroll Instagram, complain about the weather, and have favorite outfits? Let’s think together—what interests them, what makes them laugh, and what annoys them? Maybe they’re fascinated by fashion? Or perhaps by travel… or fire dancing?
Knock, knock… who’s there? It’s your imagination. Will you let it in, or keep it waiting outside? During the workshop, we’ll answer all these (un)important questions… with COLLAGE.
Under the guidance of collage artists Maria Filek and Marta Janik, you will create your own character—a dragon, a dragoness, or someone who doesn’t yet fit into any dictionary category.
You’ll have access to unique papers specially prepared for this occasion by Maria Filek—slightly strange, slightly beautiful, and definitely inspiring.
We promise: scissors will be in motion, glue won’t go to waste, and your imagination will do the rest. Allow yourself creative chaos, experimentation, and a touch of madness.
Your imagination is knocking. Can you hear it? Will you open the door?
„Inner Dragons: Gestalt collage for Artists and Art enthusiasts.”
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the power of collage. In this captivating workshop, we invite artists and art enthusiasts alike to explore the symbolic realm of their artistic expression.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Polish folk tales, where mythical dragons come to life, unearthing hidden strengths and gaining a deeper understanding of your personal creative process. Through the use of Spanish magazines, you’ll engage in fast and unconventional collage techniques that will help you let go of perfectionism and embrace spontaneity and happy accidents.
This workshop blends the principles of Gestalt art therapy and restorative embodiment practices (including a little dancing), unlocking new pathways to your creative potential. Unleash your imagination as you weave together symbolic representations, transforming them into vibrant collages that reflect your inner world.
This experience is designed to challenge and inspire, providing a safe space for you to take risks, and uncover new artistic possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious art enthusiast, this experience promises to ignite your creative spark and leave you feeling empowered and rejuvenated. Get ready to explore your inner landscape, and dance your way to a more fulfilling, connected experience!
Note to Participants:
This workshop will be conducted in English, with Polish translation provided. Let art be your universal language.
Maria Filek:
Since 1995, she has taken part in group exhibitions organised by the Wadowice Artistic Community. She has exhibited her work in international ‘ex libris’ competitions: Gliwice 2005, Malbork 2007, Šiauliai (Lithuania) 2008, and Burgstadt (Germany) 2014. In 2022, she exhibited her collage at the Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival in Ireland as part of the international collage exhibition “Migration”. Her collages have been published in, among others, the magazine “Maintenant”, published by Three Rooms Press in New York. Her most recent solo exhibition took place at the Billy Wilder Centre for Culture and Film in Sucha Beskidzka in early 2026.
She is currently interested in creating collages, which she composes using newspaper clippings and – uniquely – hand-made graphic materials. She feels at home working in small graphic formats. Her favourite technique is etching. For several years, she has also been interested in ceramics.
Maria Filek: “Creating collages can be compared to a painstaking journey through a world of fantasy, associations, or a peculiar theatre of events. To create a collage, one must gather interesting and peculiar materials which, when combined, will create a new image and convey an idea, giving it a unique form.”
Marta Janik:
A collage artist. Her work has been published in, among others, *Kwartalnik Przekrój* and *Maintenant*, an independent Dada magazine published in New York by Three Rooms Press. Winner of the 2020 Warsaw Cultural Education Award (first place in the “Cultural Institutions” category for the project “Język kolażu / Collage language”). Her collage “Bóg” appeared on the cover of the “Przekrój” yearbook and on the cover of “Kolaj” magazine (issue 42). She produced an animated music video for Alicja Majewska for Sony Music Poland. Marta has taken part in numerous exhibitions, including in the USA, Ireland, Belgium and Italy. In recent years, she has led guest workshops, including at the Birr Vintage and Arts Festival in 2021 and 2022, at the “New Reality” collage festival in Cappoquin, Ireland, and for the Museum of Caricature in Warsaw.
Tanja Ulbrich is a Canadian-born artist with Mexican-German heritage who has been living la vida loca in Madrid, Spain for the past 25 years. Tanja has carved out a unique space for herself in the realm of collage art, coaching, and art therapy. Her focus on community participation and empowerment projects has allowed her to make a meaningful impact in these fields.
Inspired by the rhythmic cadence of poetry and the bold strokes of contemporary art, Tanja’s work delves deep into the psychological, cultural, and social realms, inviting us to explore the complexities of the human experience. But this isn’t just a passive viewing experience – oh no, Tanja is here to get you moving and grooving!
As a certified Personal Coach and Gestalt Art therapist, Tanja is a master of transformation, guiding participants through a captivating journey that blends the expressive arts and personal growth. Imagine unleashing your inner artist while also uncovering the hidden depths of your own resilience and self-expression. And let’s not forget the restorative movement and the oh-so-tempting promise of dance – Tanja’s workshops are a veritable playground for the senses!
Where?
OTWARTA.ART
Karmelicka 32
Kraków
(Note: entrance through the gate from the Szymborska Park side)
Ticket price (per workshop): 150 PLN
Reservations: warsztaty@martajanik.com
Limited number of spots available.
Can’t join the workshop? Come by for a coffee in the garden—let’s meet!