Origins and history of the exhibition
The first official edition of the exhibition dates back to 1983, organised by the Municipality of Sàrmede in collaboration with the local Pro Loco. However, its true origins lie in 1982, when the painter and illustrator Štěpán Zavřel, a Prague-born artist who had moved to Rugolo di Sàrmede in 1969, organised a private exhibition in his own home together with a group of friends. This gesture marked the beginning of a project destined to become a symbol of the area’s identity.
Initially housed within Sàrmede Town Hall, decorated with images and frescoes, the exhibition now has a dedicated venue: the Casa della Fantasia, situated right next to the town hall. This building is the hub of cultural activity linked to children’s illustration and art education.
A journey into the world of fairy tales for children and families
A journey into the world of fairy tales for children and familiesThe International Illustration Exhibition offers a true journey into the world of fairy tales, providing visitors — particularly children — with an immersive experience featuring original illustrations, picture books, animated readings performed by theatre actors, educational workshops, family events and many other educational and recreational activities.
Each year, the exhibition showcases works by illustrators from numerous countries around the world, alongside a selection of pieces produced by students of the International School of Children’s Illustration, which takes place every July.
The Zavřel Foundation and its international reach
Both the Exhibition and the School of Illustration are now promoted and supported by the Štěpán Zavřel Foundation, established in 1999 in memory of the artist, who had passed away a few months earlier. The foundation aims to preserve and promote his cultural and artistic legacy, continuing the educational mission that had always inspired him.
Throughout the rest of the year, the exhibition becomes a travelling exhibition: it has travelled to numerous Italian and European cities, bringing the name of Sàrmede and its artistic vocation to prestigious venues such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and to cities including Venice, Treviso, Madrid, Genoa, Paris, Vienna, Istanbul, Barcelona, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Salzburg, Bratislava, Lisbon, Stuttgart, Monza, Florence, Udine, Verona, Essen and many others.
The historical catalogue and tribute to Zavřel
Among the most significant publications associated with the exhibition, special mention should be made of the 1999 catalogue edited by Monica Monachesi, entitled ‘International Exhibition of Children’s Illustration’. This volume stands as a significant tribute to the work and vision of Štěpán Zavřel, helping to keep his memory and message alive.
Sàrmede, the ‘Fairytale Village’
Thanks to the exhibition, the illustrated books on sale – including the creator’s historic editions – the children’s workshops, the theatre events for families and schools, the Summer School of Illustration, the Štěpán Zavřel Museum, the painted houses and the numerous artistic and educational initiatives, Sàrmede has truly become the ‘Village of Fairy Tales’.
Visitare Sàrmede durante il periodo della mostra significa vivere un’esperienza unica, in cui arte, cultura, formazione e fantasia si fondono in un contesto naturale e paesaggistico di straordinaria bellezza.