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Arts Lab 6.0: Katrīna Elizabete Kiršfelde - Month 3

The past month was filled with trips, cultural experiences, creative expressions, and personal milestones. We began with a visit to Ruginoasa as a team, where we toured the beautiful Ruginoasa Palace, once home to Alexandru Ioan Cuza, a significant figure in Romanian history.  

The cultural nights continued with an engaging and vibrant Egyptian Night, as well as Hungarian Night, where we experienced Egyptian and Hungarian music, food, and traditions. We also conducted workshops at a Iași Youth Centre,  sharing our artistic skills and engaging with the local youth. Afterward, we visited several stunning churches in Iași, appreciating their architecture and spiritual atmosphere.  

On my name day, we visited Iași again, where I treated myself to some new books and enjoyed delicious food. It was a peaceful and reflective day that made me feel grateful for the simple pleasures of life.  

In the ceramics studio, I dedicated countless hours over several days to crafting a clay bird whistle. Unfortunately, the rush to complete it caused uneven drying, and it cracked in the kiln, leaving it non-functional. Initially, I felt focused and determined, but the cracks and ultimate failure of the piece left me feeling disheartened. While disappointing, the process taught me a lot about patience and the importance of proper technique.  

Other notable moments included cutting one of my teammate’s hair—a fun and unexpected bonding activity—and a scenic photoshoot in the hills for the catalogue.

Our first exhibition took place this month, marking a milestone in our journey as the second museum opening exhibition. It was a proud moment to see everyone’s hard work displayed and appreciated. Shortly after, I celebrated my birthday, which was a wonderfully joyful day. A lot happened in the first half of the day, but later I was surprised with a thoughtful cake from my family, a gesture that reminded me of home and made me feel deeply loved.  

There is a lot I learned this month. The challenges I faced in the ceramics studio reinforced the need for careful planning and attention to detail. 

I’ve also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity through visits to Iași’s churches, which showed me how art, history, and spirituality intersect in powerful ways.  

On a personal level, I’ve learned to savor small moments, whether it’s buying books, sharing a meal, or celebrating with friends.

As the month of December is moving more and more forward, I find myself missing home more than ever. As the days pass, the pull of home grows stronger. With just one week left until I return, I cannot wait any longer to be reunited with my family. As they say “The darkest hour is just before dawn”.

Report written by Katrīna Elizabete Kiršfelde, she's from Latvia and she's one of the 14 volunteers participating in Arts Lab 6.0, a project co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program.  

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