Folk Fine Arts Studio “Ģilde”

Studio “Ģilde” launched its activities nearly 70 years ago. Its members are amateur artists of various ages, professions, and backgrounds. Studio classes take place twice a week, where artists paint still lifes, portraits, landscapes, or figural compositions, most frequently in oil technique. Some members also enjoy working with pastels or watercolor. The main focus is realism, aiming for professional-level painting. Some authors’ works showcase characteristic features of naive art, while the younger generation of participants is bolder, painting in a modern, expressive style and not afraid to experiment.

Studio members organize not only their personal exhibitions but also participate in studio, Riga city, and national exhibitions. Exhibitions have taken place not only in Riga, but also in Jūrmala, Lielvārde, Carnikava, and other cities. In spring—in April and May—the traditional Art Days take place across all of Latvia. Studio “Ģilde” members regularly participate in Art Days exhibitions, consistently earning acclaim for their work.

Despite a changing membership over time, the studio collective remains very close-knit and friendly, warmly welcoming new members while honoring studio veterans. The studio leaders—professional artists and outstanding creative personalities including Jānis Liepiņš, Hiliels Komrass, Eduards Jurķelis, Kurts Fridrihsons, Aleksandrs Zviedris, Andrejs Ģērmanis, and Juris Ģērmanis—have made immense contributions to uniting the collective and maintaining a creative atmosphere. From 1986 until the autumn of 2020, the studio was led by the painter Ausma Danemane.

Classes take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 21:00.