Unika - Sculpturing and wood-carving exhibition from the 21.08.2014 till the 24.08.2014 Tennis Center - Ortisei - South Tyrol

For centuries now the Val Gardena/Gröden valley in the heart of the Dolomites has been famous for its artistic handicrafts and above all for the art of wood carving and sculpturing.

Works by Val Gardena’s wood sculptors on show in the Unika exhibition are single pieces and showcase the creative talents of each individual artist.
The Unika exhibition took place for the first time in 1994 as a combined effort by a group of sculptors, wood-sculpture painters, gilders, and ornamental sculptors and carvers in Val Gardena.

The artists work in front of the public for three days, providing insight into the creative process and their artistic skills. Interested visitors have the rare chance to talk to the artists, find out more about the long-established tradition of wood sculpturing.

Unika represents the union of more than thirty artists, sculptors and painters of Val Gardena which intend to promote their completely handmade works and which expression of creativity and a through generations acquired technique. The works of the Unika artists are branded and certified by the Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano: it certificates the handmade procedure for the creation of the work as well as its uniqueness and inimitability.
Every year in August sculptors, gilders, comprehensive and decoration painter expose their works in the fair “Unika – sculptors in fair”. For this special occasion they create also wonderful sculptures while the visitors are in the fair and show so their capabilities and experience. The edition of this year takes place from the 21st to the 24th of August 2014 in the Tennis Centre of Ortisei – Runggaditsch. The time schedules to visit the “Unika – sculptors in fair” are from 10 am to 7 pm, the entry fee is 7,00 euro (under the age of 18 the entry is free).
In mountain regions wood has always been a fundamental and vital element. In addition to its importance for the heating of the houses and the cookery, his warmness cheered up the cold winter months, in which every day’s activities were reduced to the elaboration of the wood.
The creation of wooden sculptures is an important part of the mountain people’s live. Val Gardena, also well known as valley of the wood carvers, distinguishes itself from other regions because its artists and woodcarver are particularly fervid and the most of them are united under the known brand: Unika.


Because Val Gardena’s big importance in the wood elaboration, a course to learn the technique of woodcarving is organized. From the 17th of June until the 10th of September you have the possibility to attend at the course “Get to know Val Gardena’s art” which is held in the Ladin Art & Professional School “Cademia” in Ortisei.
Art lovers have the possibility to learn together with experts the basics of Val Gardena’s wood carving technique, this on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9.30 until 12.30 am and from 14.30 until 17.30 pm, for a total of 9 hours (6 + 3) and a cost of 70,00 euro (50,00 euro for the members of Val Gardena Active).