In mid-2013 Dr. Krzysztof Marek Bąk from Silesian University organized a contest for an ex-libris dedicated to our organization. The contest was targeted at the students of the University’s branch in Cieszyn. From the submitted works the best ones were chosen by international four-persons jury. Six of the successful works were distinguished with prizes. The laureates were awarded by our colleagues , Ryszard Bandosz i Marek Moczulski, with diplomas and souvenirs from PARE. They also thanked the originator of the contest and some of the participants for their initiative during the ‘10+1 Krzysztof Marek Bąk and students of the 1st CG Workshops  at the Art Institute of Silesian University’ exhibition in Warsaw’s Gallery of Ex-libris. Exhibition took place on 22^nd January and will be open till 14th February .

The main aim of such internal competitions is the intention to propagate the idea of ex-libris among the youngest graphic designers – said Dr. Bąk. Despite the fact, that the works are of varied quality, I think it’s worth that the students be aware of the existence of bookplates and know the basic rules of their design. (…) The awaken interest has resulted in creation of countless bookplates – reaching up the tenths  of works per single creator. We have first successes – participation in international vernissages and individual exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Individual development and creative search is stimulated with in-house contests and workshops. Up to date, contest for signboard, for PARE’s ex-libris and workshops In Memoriam Jur Gajdzic took place. There were also two degrees: MSc for Aleksandra Hachuła and Bachelor for Ewa Chorążak – both regarding digital bookplate.

All contest entries were donated to the collection of PARE. The members of the Association could see them during the New Year’s meeting on 18^th January. Our colleague, Ryszard Bandosz, supplemented the collection with a self-made bookplate for PARE’s President, Judyta Kurowska-Ciechańska

Marek Moczulski